To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.
Ecclesiastes 3:1–2
Words: Mary B. Slade, in The Prize, edited by George F. Root (Chicago, Illinois: Root & Cady, 1870), page 182, alt.
Music: El Campo C. R. Leftwich, in The Brilliant, edited by William T. Giffe (Indianapolis, Indiana, 1874), page 52 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Leftwich’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
One more year has gone!
Joyful marching on,
We this height have won,
Resting here;
Back a look we cast,
O’er the journey past,
Then we’ll view at last,
The coming year.
Refrain
Teachers, students,
Rally round our banner,
See its motto,
Shining fair and clear;
Onward! Upward!
Children sing hosanna!
God will lead us thro’
Another year.
Glad we here have come,
Oh, sweet Sabbath home,
None from thee would roam,
Blessèd place!
Here our feet have turned,
Here our hearts have burned,
Here our souls have learned
The works of grace.
Refrain
Foward marching we
Our bright way would see,
Upward, Lord, to Thee,
Climbing still.
Be our guide, we pray—
Every Sabbath day;
Teach us, Lord, the way
And Thy dear will.
Refrain
Father, hear our call;
Let Thy blessing fall
On Thy children all,
Drawing near.
May sweet showers of love
Thy dear presence prove
While we onward move
Another year.
Refrain