The Old Church

The old church long has stood,—
For ages may it stand,
Storehouse of heavenly food
And lighthouse of the land.

Within its sacred walls
What thousands, now asleep,
Where its blest shadow falls
Have bowed to pray and weep!

Old church, with doctrines old
As God’s eternal truth,
Within its sacred fold
Men still renew their youth.

Still in its water springs,
Whose streams are never dry,
Hope bathes her drooping wings,
And gathers strength to fly.

Still from its tower of light
The radiant truth is given
To cheer men thru the night
And guide them on to heaven.

Edward Hopper.