Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#611

611. As Stewards of a Vineyard

Text Information

• First Line: As stewards of a vineyard
• Title: As Stewards of a Vineyard
• Author: Frank De Vries (1970)
• Refrain First Line: If in the Lord we labor
• Meter: 76 76 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Micah 6:8
  ;
  1 Corinthians 15:58
  ;
  1 Corinthians 15
• Topic: Industry & Labor; Society/Social Concerns; Songs for Children: Hymns; Stewardship
• Copyright: Text and music © 1970, Christian Labour Association of Canada

Tune Information

• Name: WORKERS' SONG
• Composer: Frank De Vries (1970)
• Harmonizer: Dale Grotenhuis (1986)
• Meter: 76 76 D
• Key: F Major
• Copyright: Text and music © 1970, Christian Labour Association of Canada

Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Mic. 6:8
ref. = Ps. 127:1, 1 Cor. 15:58

Canadian Christian day school teacher and principal Frank De Vries (PHH 518) composed both text and tune in 1970 in Burnaby, British Columbia. Entitled "Workers' Song," the hymn was chosen as a theme song by the Christian Labor Association of Canada. That organization also published the hymn in 1970 in their Toronto Convention booklet. About his writing of "As Stewards" De Vries says, "I wrote this hymn in reaction to 'Solidarity Forever,' that strident union song which is sung at every convention and demonstration by the secular labor unions."

The Psalter Hymnal has omitted the original third stanza, which made specific reference to employer-employee relationships.

Liturgical Use:
Worship that emphasizes kingdom service in daily work, the pursuit of justice, reconciliation, and peace.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

WORKERS' SONG was named in honor of "workers," specifically the many members of the Christian Labor Association of Canada.

Known for years in a melody-only score (sometimes with added guitar chords), this tune was harmonized for the Psalter Hymnal by Dale Grotenhuis. Sing in harmony with voices full of confidence and joy for the blessing of daily work done for Christ's sake.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook