Two Statesmen Sang “America” in Washington’s Pew
The American nation was called to supplication for Divine guidance on the first day of 1942. The date was historic, for the nation was entering on a New Year with the dark shadows of war resting on the people. One of the events of that day was recorded on the front page of practically all our newspapers.
Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain, was at that time visiting the United States for the purpose of conferring with President F. D. Roosevelt. The latter took his guest with him to the quaint Episcopal Church at Alexandria, Va., of which George Washington was, in 1775, one of the founders. Together they occupied the white pew in which Washington used to worship.
Each of the two statesmen loved to sing, hence both of them united with the congregation when they sang:
“My country, ’tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.”
Perhaps each responsible statesman, burdened with anxiety, was thinking of his own country as he sang the prayerful words:
“Our fathers’ God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King.”
Thus did two statesmen of the twentieth century render thanksgiving to God and covet his leadership and guidance as they stood side by side and sang their faith in God and country.