In the name which earth and heaven

Verse 1

In the name which earth and heaven, Ever worship, praise, and fear, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Shall a house be builded here: Here with prayer its deep foundations, In the faith of Christ, we lay, Trusting by His help to crown it, With the top-stone in its day.

Verse 2

Here as in their due succession Stone on stone the workmen place, Thus, we pray, unseen but surely, Jesu, build us up in grace; Till, within these walls completed, We complete in Thee are found; And to Thee, the one Foundation, Strong and living stones, are bound.

Verse 3

Fair shall be Thine earthly temple: Here the careless passer-by Shall bethink him, in its beauty, Of the holier House on high; Weary hearts and troubled spirits Here shall find a still retreat; Sinful souls shall bring their burden Here to the Absolver's feet.

Verse 4

Yet with truer, nobler beauty, Lord, we pray, this house adorn, Where Thy Bride, Thy Church redeemèd, Robes her for her marriage morn; Clothed in garments of salvation, Rich with gems of heavenly grace, Spouse of Christ, arrayed and waiting Till she may behold His face.

Verse 5

Here in due and solemn order May her ceaseless prayer arise; Here may strains of holy gladness Lift her heart above the skies; Here the word of life be spoken; Here the child of God be sealed; Here the Bread of Heaven be broken, "Till He come," Himself revealed.

Verse 6

Praise to Thee, O Master-Builder, Maker of the earth and skies; Praise to Thee, in Whom Thy temple Fitly framed, together lies; Praise to Thee, eternal Spirit, Binding all that lives in one: Till our earthly praise be ended, And the eternal song begun! Amen.