347. God of our fathers, whose Almighty hand
Daniel C. Roberts, 1841-1907
A hymn of broadminded patriotism, called forth by the “Centennial” Fourth of July celebration in 1876, held at Brandon, Vt. It was published in various papers at the time and included in the Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 1894. Since then it has appeared in a number of other church hymnals.
The hymn was written by Daniel C. Roberts, a graduate of Kenyon College, and a clergyman in the Episcopal Church.
MUSIC. NATIONAL HYMN was used at the Columbian celebration service at St. Thomas’ Church, New York City, Sunday morning, October 9, 1892. It is one of the finest processional tunes in the hymn book. The trumpet introduction and the interludes, making it unique among hymn tunes, gives it a quickening martial rhythm yet without losing its spirit of sanctity and reverence.
The composer, George William Warren, 1828-1902, was an American organist, born at Albany, N. Y. Though self-taught, he held responsible positions as organist in Albany and then at Holy Trinity and St. Thomas’ churches in New York.