1 Open the door for the children,
Tenderly gather them in,-
In from the highway and hedges,
In from the places of sin;
Some are so young and so helpless,
Some are so hungry and cold;
Open the door for the children,
Gather them into the fold.
Chorus:
Open the door, (Open the door, open the door,)
Gather them in, (Gather them in, gather them in,)
Open the door for the children,
Gather them into the fold.
2 Open the door for the children,
See, they are coming in throngs!
Bid them sit down to the banquet,
Teach them your beautiful songs;
Pray for the Father to bless them,
Pray you that grace may be giv'n;
Open the door for the children,
Theirs is the kingdom of heavn'n. [Chorus]
3 Open the door for the children,
Take the dear lambs by the hand;
Point them to truth and to goodness,
Lead them to Canaan's fair land.
Some are so young and so helpless,
Some are so hungry and cold;
Open the door for the children,
Gather them into the fold. [Chorus]
Source: The New Praiseworthy: for the Church and Sunday School #164
Mary Ann Pepper Kidder USA 1820-1905. Born at Boston, MA, she was a poet, writing from an early age. She went blind at age 16, but miraculously recovered her sight the following year. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1844 she married Ellis Usher Kidder, a music publisher, working for the firm founded by his brother, Andrew, and they had three children: Mary Frances, Edward, and Walter. That year they moved to Charlestown, MA, and in 1857 to New York City. When the American Civil War broke out, Ellis enlisted in the 4th Regiment as a private. Mustered in for two years of service, he died of disease in 1862, six days after participating in the Battle of Antietam. Left alone, with three children to care for, her… Go to person page >
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