J. Pauline Smith, "Anniversary Hymn" (1922)
(Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the founding of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Detroit., Michigan, May 29, 1921.)
TUNE: "Federal Street, L.M."
When we reflect on all God's ways,
His dealings with our Zion here,
We can but lift our hearts in praise
For blessings on each passing year.
For all the countless deeds of love,
For victories His grace hath brought,
We grateful lift our eyes above
And humbly cry, "What hath God wrought!"
For eighty years our Bethel's kept
The faith, once given to the saints,
Spotless and pure, though oft she's wept,
And upward sent her tears and plaints.
From small beginnings we have grown,
From days of debt and hours of stress,
Till lo! we now this temple own,
And here two thousand Christ confess!
We thank God that He keeps her still,
And calls this Bethel—House of God;
With forward look to do Thy will
We follow where our fathers trod!
Published in Exceeding Riches, 1922