Scripture Verse

I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18

Introduction

portrait
Richard W. Adams
1952–

Words: Ri­chard W. Ad­ams, De­cem­ber 26, 2004.

Music: Bread of Life Will­iam F. Sher­win, 1877 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
William F. Sherwin
1826–1888

Lyrics

Builder of ages, planner divine,
Drawing the length and breadth
Of space and time;
Yet also monarch with kingdom to build,
And golden capital still yet unfilled.

Surveyor, architect, craftsman sublime,
He drew the blueprint
Ere the start of time,
Building with living stones fair temples bright,
Fixing our hearts into His halls of light.

First came the cornerstone, Jesus, our Lord;
We hear this mighty Rock
Call from the Word:
Build up My Church, says He, it cannot fail;
As long as you believe, you will prevail.

As you are gathered here, so here am I;
Lift up your hearts and song
Unto the sky;
Call in My citizens, do not delay;
Bring in My kingdom of the perfect day.

So, in this year to come, we vow to build
Two things for Christ our king,
With spirit filled:
First, we will make a house, fit for a king;
And build within ourselves hearts fit to sing.

illustration
Building the Tabernacle
Gerard Hoet
1648–1733