program notes by composition > G > God of Our Fathers
God of Our Fathers
Claude T. Smith
Daniel C. Roberts, the 35 year-old rector of a small Episcopal church in Brandon, Vermont, wanted a new hymn for his congregation to celebrate the American Centennial in 1876. Roberts, a veteran of the U.S. Civil war, wrote the lyrics to "God of Our Fathers" and his congregation sang it to the tune “Russian Hymn”. In 1892, organist George W. Warren wrote a new melody, creating the hymn as it is now known.
Last updated on July 18, 2013 by Palatine Concert Band
