IN the name which earth and heaven Ever worship, praise, and fear, - Father,...

IN the name which earth and heaven Ever worship, praise, and fear, - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, - Shall a house be builded here: Here with prayer its deep foundations In the faith of Christ we lay, Trusting by his help to crown it With the top-stone in its day.

Here as in their due succession Stone on stone the workmen place, Thus, we pray, unseen but surely, Jesu, build us up in grace; Till, within these walls completed, We complete in thee are found; And to thee, the one Foundation, Strong and living stones, are bound.

Fair shall be thine earthly temple: Here the careless passer-by Shall bethink him, in its beauty, Of the holier house on high; Weary hearts and troubled spirits Here shall find a still retreat; Sinful souls shall bring their burden Here to The Absolver's feet.

Yet with truer nobler beauty, Lord, we pray, this house adorn, Where thy bride, thy church redeemed, Robes her for her marriage morn; Clothed in garments of salvation, Rich with gems of heavenly grace, Spouse of Christ, arrayed and waiting Till she may behold his face.

Here in due and solemn order May her ceaseless prayer arise; Here may strains of holy gladness Lift her heart above the skies; Here the word of life be spoken; Here the child of God be sealed; Here the bread of heaven be broken, " Till he come" himself revealed.

Praise to thee, O Master-Builder, Maker of the earth and skies; Praise to thee, in whom thy temple Fitly framed together lies: Praise to thee, eternal Spirit, Binding all that lives in one: Till our earthly praise be ended, And the eternal song begun!