361. Happy the home when God is there
Henry Ware, Jr., 1794-1843
One of the strongest hymns on the Christian home. It first appeared in Selections of Hymns and Poetry, Boston, 1846, compiled by Mrs. Herbert Mayo, where it was entitled, “The Happy Home.”
For comments on the author, Henry Ware, Jr., see [Hymn 13].
MUSIC. ST. AGNES. For comments on this tune see [Hymn 155].
362. Bless the four corners of this house
Arthur Guiterman, 1871-1943
A poem for use in the dedication of a Christian home, first printed in House and Garden magazine about thirty years ago. Since then it has become widely known both here and abroad. Its first use as a hymn was in the Methodist Hymnal of 1935, edited by Dr. Robert McCutchan.
The author, Arthur Guiterman, was a writer, poet, and speaker. He was born in Vienna, Austria, November 20, 1871, of American parents, his mother being a native of Ohio. Most of his education was received in New York City, his college course having been completed in the City College. Guiterman was a frequent contributor to Harper’s Magazine, The Saturday Evening Post, The Youth’s Companion, Ladies Home Journal, and other leading magazines. His poetry is written on a large variety of subjects. Joyce Kilmer characterized him as “the most American of poets.”
MUSIC. ICH SINGE DIR is a familiar melody in the Gesangbuch mit Noten where it appears anonymously, set to the words, “Ich singe Dir mit Herz und Mund,” by Paul Gerhardt.