It was written in approx 1920 by American Congregational clergyman Arthur B. Patten
(1864-1952). This timing means that it is now in the public domain in the USA, but may not be
in countries where not enough time (eg 70 years) has elapsed since Patten's
death.
The text is clearly modelled on the 19th century hymn, Faith of our Fathers. Some people have described it as a parody. But the latter usually involves poking fun at the topic, whereas this hymn is a genuine thanksgiving for faith passed on through the maternal line.
With meter 8.8.8.8.8 with refrain, it is usually sung to the tune ST CATHERINE by H W Hemy (1864) - although it could be sung to any of the other tunes used for Faith of our Fathers.
In cradle song and bedtime prayer;
In nursery lore and fireside love,
Thy presence still pervades the air:
Faith of our mothers, living faith!
We will be true to thee to death.
Faith of our mothers, loving faith,
Fount of our childhood's trust and grace,
Oh, may thy consecration prove
Source of a finer, nobler race:
Faith of our mothers, living faith,
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our mothers, guiding faith,
For youthful longing, youthful doubt,
How blurred our vision, blind our way,
Thy providential care without:
Faith of our mothers, guiding faith,
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our mothers, Christian faith,
Is truth beyond our stumbling creeds,
Still serve the home and save the Church,
And breathe thy spirit through our deeds:
Faith of our mothers, Christian faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
The text is clearly modelled on the 19th century hymn, Faith of our Fathers. Some people have described it as a parody. But the latter usually involves poking fun at the topic, whereas this hymn is a genuine thanksgiving for faith passed on through the maternal line.
With meter 8.8.8.8.8 with refrain, it is usually sung to the tune ST CATHERINE by H W Hemy (1864) - although it could be sung to any of the other tunes used for Faith of our Fathers.
Downloads
This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).
Examples
Singer, self-accompanied on guitar:
Duet with organ, words on-screen:
Instrumental - Celtic band, with words on-screen:
Instrumental - piano:
Lyrics
Faith of our mothers, living still,In cradle song and bedtime prayer;
In nursery lore and fireside love,
Thy presence still pervades the air:
Faith of our mothers, living faith!
We will be true to thee to death.
Faith of our mothers, loving faith,
Fount of our childhood's trust and grace,
Oh, may thy consecration prove
Source of a finer, nobler race:
Faith of our mothers, living faith,
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our mothers, guiding faith,
For youthful longing, youthful doubt,
How blurred our vision, blind our way,
Thy providential care without:
Faith of our mothers, guiding faith,
We will be true to thee till death.
Faith of our mothers, Christian faith,
Is truth beyond our stumbling creeds,
Still serve the home and save the Church,
And breathe thy spirit through our deeds:
Faith of our mothers, Christian faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
No comments:
Post a Comment