| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 51. Hymn for the Dedication of a Church |
| | | By Andrews Norton |
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| WHERE ancient forests round us spread, | |
| Where bends the cataract’s ocean-fall, | |
| On the lone mountain’s silent head, | |
| There are thy temples, God of all! | |
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| Beneath the dark-blue, midnight arch, | 5 |
| Whence myriad suns pour down their rays, | |
| Where planets trace their ceaseless march, | |
| Father! we worship as we gaze. | |
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| The tombs thine altars are; for there, | |
| When earthly loves and hopes have fled, | 10 |
| To thee ascends the spirit’s prayer, | |
| Thou God of the immortal dead. | |
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| All space is holy; for all space | |
| Is filled by thee; but human thought | |
| Burns clearer in some chosen place, | 15 |
| Where thy own words of love are taught. | |
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| Here be they taught; and may we know | |
| That faith thy servants knew of old; | |
| Which onward bears through weal and woe, | |
| Till Death the gates of heaven unfold! | 20 |
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| Nor we alone; may those whose brow | |
| Shows yet no trace of human cares, | |
| Hereafter stand where we do now, | |
| And raise to thee still holier prayers! | |
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