James Montgomery

On laying the Foundation Stone of a Church.

The ground on which this day we stand,

Holy henceforth shall be,

For thus, Lord God of sea and land,

Thine own we render Thee.

Maker and Builder Thou, of all

Around us and above,

On Thine Almighty Name we call

To crown our work of love.

If, moved by Thee, in dust we lay

A true foundation here,

Though heaven and earth must pass away,

Thy counsel shall appear.

An earthly temple to Thy praise,

Our labouring hands would pile;

Do Thou a spiritual temple raise,

Within its walls, the while.

Of living stones that temple frame,

Founded on Christ alone,

Inscribed with His exalted name,

By all men read and known.

From thence, as time and tide roll by,

May ransom'd souls ascend,

Safe in their Father's home on high,

Eternity to spend.