718 God of Our Fathers

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This hymn is often called the National Hymn. The author of the words is Daniel Roberts.  He was the pastor of a rural church in Brandon Vermont.  In 1876, he wrote these words to commemorate the centennial celebration for the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  It was sung for the first time for the Independence Day celebration in Brandon.

Roberts decided to submit the words to the committee planning the celebration for the US Constitution. The committee chose it as the official hymn for the occasion and sent the text to the organist at St. Thomas Episcopal in New York City to compose an original tune.  The new tune, with a dramatic trumpet flourish at the beginning, was introduced in New York City at the 400th  anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.

This version is by the "President's Own" Band i.e. the Marine Band.  It is stately, regal and inspiring. A special arrangement was played for the first inauguration of Ronald Regan.   It is also often played/sung at State Funerals as it was for the funerals of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Regan.  In addition, it was played at the memorial service for the Columbia  astronauts in 2003.

Reverend Roberts was a humble man and he wrote six years before his death in 1907, "I remain a country parson, known only within my small world." Thanks to this great hymn, he is known all across our land in celebration and mourning. 

Here are the words from Daniel Robert's great text:

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 our law, Thy paths our chosen way.

From war's alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thou strong arm our ever sure defense; 
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace. 

Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way;
Lead us from night to never-ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory laud, and praise be ever Thine.