SCHOOL ANTHEM
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The origin: "Bless This House" is a song published in 1927. The words were written by an Englishwoman Helen Taylor, under the original title "Bless the House." The music was composed byan Australian May Brahe, a friend of Taylor's.This song is strongly associated with “Thanksgiving “ and is often sung by congregations around the world. It is frequently found in spiritual/inspirational collections, as well as in many Hymnals. It was a favourite of the World War 2 soldiers and also impacted the thanksgiving of the 9/11 hero’s.
Bless this house, O lord we pray,
Make it safe by night and day;
Bless these walls so firm and stout
Keeping want and trouble out;
Bless the roof and chimneys tall,
Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door that it may prove
Ever open to joy and love
Bless these windows shining bright,
Letting in God’s heavenly light
Bless the hearth a blazing there,
With smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless these windows shining bright,
Letting in God’s heavenly light;
Bless the hearth a blazing there,
With smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the people here within,
Keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be
Fit, O lord to dwell with thee,
Bless us all that we one day
SCHOOL HYMNThe origin: Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past is a hymn by Isaac Watts and paraphrases the 90th Psalm of the Book of Psalms. It originally consisted of nine stanzas. In 1738, John Wesley in his hymnal, Psalms and Hymns, changed the first line of the text from "Our God" to "Oh God. " Both Watts' wording and Wesley's rewording remain in current use.The hymn is often sung as part of the Remembrance Day around the world Oh God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to comes, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And out eternal home!Beneath the shadow of thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is thine arm alone. And our defense is sure.Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From everlasting thou art God, To endless years the same.A thousand ages, in the sight, Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night, Before the rising sun.Time, like an ever rolling system, Bears all its sons away, They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day.O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come; Be thou our guide while life shall last, And our eternal home.FOUNDER’S DAY HYMNThe origin: "Onward, Christian Soldiers" is a 19th-century English hymn. The words were written by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1865, and the music was composed by Arthur Sullivan in 1871. The army adopted the hymn as its favoured processional hymn The hymn's theme is taken from references in the New Testament to the Christian being a soldier for Christ.Onwards Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before, Christ the Royal Master, Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, see His banners go! Refrain: Onwards Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before Like a mighty army, moves the Church of God, Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod; We are not divided, all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity. Refrain: Onwards Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before, Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wan But the Church of Jesus, Constant will remain; Gates of hell can never, gainst that Church prevail; We have Christ’s own promise and that cannot fail. Refrain: Onwards Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before, Onwards, then, ye people join our happy throng, Blend with ours your voices, in the triumph song; Glory, laud and honour, unto Christ the King; This through countless ages, men and angels sing. Refrain: Onwards Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before, Amen |
