An earthly temple here we raise,
Lord God, our Savior! to thy praise;
Oh! make thy gracious presence known,
While now we lay its corner-stone.

2 Within the house thy servants rear,
Deign by thy Spirit to appear;
On all its walls salvation write,
From corner-stone to topmost height.

3 And when this temple, "made with hands,"
Upon its firm foundation stands,
Oh! may we all with loving heart,
In nobler building bear a part,

4 Where every polished stone shall be
A human soul won back to thee;
All resting upon Christ alone, --
The chief and precious Corner-Stone.

Mrs. Catherine H. Johnson, 1866.