🎶Faith of our Fathers🎶
Scripture:
Hebrews 11:1-2 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.
The American heroes who went before us had great faith in Almighty God. Let us be reminded that many of them paid high personal prices in order to preserve their Christian heritage and traditions.
It was originally a Catholic hymn, but the Protestants later adopted an adaptation of the hymn.
Author: Frederick William Faber (1814-1863)
Hymn History:
Fredrick Faber was born at Calverley Vicarage, Yorkshire on June 28, 1814. He received his B.A. degree from Balliol College, Oxford in 1836.
Frederick W. Faber, a prominent Roman Catholic hymn writer, was influenced by John Henry Newman’s teachings and the Church of England.
His life’s work and aim was to write hymns. He composed music that he believed would benefit other Christians. He composed about 150 of these hymns before to his passing. His greatest accomplishment was “Faith of Our Fathers.” He wrote 150 hymns which he published before his death in 1863.
Lyrics:
1. Faith of the martyrs, living still
in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
whene’er we hear that glorious word!
Refrain:
Faith of the martyrs, holy faith,
we will be true to thee till death.
2 The martyrs chained in prison cells
were still in heart and conscience free,
and bless’d would be their children’s fate
if they, like them, should die for thee! [Refrain]
3 Faith of the martyrs, we will love
both friend and foe in all our strife,
and preach thee, too, as love knows how,
by saving word and faithful life! [Refrain]
*Alternate phrases: “Faith of our fathers” or “Faith of our mothers”
Adapted lyrics:
Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious Word!
Refrain:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
Listen here:
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References:
https://hymnary.org/person/Faber_Frederick
https://www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2016/06/17/story-behind-song-faith-our-fathers/16305463007/
https://www.baptiststandard.com/opinion/voices/hymns-of-the-faith-faith-of-our-fathers/
