Roberts (1841-1907) was an Episcopal priest who would make the greatest impact in American hymnology. Brandon, Vermont was holding this nation's centennial celebration. For the occasion Roberts wrote a prayer and a poem known as "God of Our Fathers." Later, the country's greatest organist, George Warren, put the verses to music. It was premiered at the national conference of the Episcopal Church of the U.S. and published as the "National Hymn."
God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies,
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.
Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast;
Be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay.
Thy word be our law, Thy paths our chosen way.
As a youngster and a teenager, I can remember this beautiful hymn sung often in school assemblies by the school chorus. All the students would stand and join in. Could this song be sung today in our public school assemblies? I doubt it! What a departure this nation has taken!
