Words: George T. Coster; written at Bedford Park, London, August 18, 1897, and published in the Congregationalist weekly The Independent, January 27, 1898.
Music: City of Light, Arthur V. Coster (1864-1931) (MIDI, score).
If you have access to a photo of George or Arthur Coster that we could put online, please click here.
King of the City Splendid, Eternal in the height, May all our country’s cities Grow holy in Thy sight; Cleansed from the deeds of darkness— Cities of light.
Teach love to gladden children That know not childhood’s mirth, Wronged of their rights—no beauty In their scant reach of earth; To hope’s large sunshine give them A second birth.
Give joy to all the joyless, Song’s voice to sorrows dumb, May light invade with blessing Each dark and deathly slum; Into earth’s realms of horror Thy Kingdom come!
Soon may our country’s cities Thy robe of glory wear; Each place of toil a temple, Each house a home of prayer; Each city’s name of beauty— The Lord is there!
08/11/2007 20:39:46