Dedication Day
[Read at the dedication of the new Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Staunton, Va.]
What means this vast assemblage here, Of people great and grand, Who've come to us from afar and near, At the heed of one's command.
Why come ye to Mt. Zion's walls, Ye folks in grand array? "We've heeded to the pastor's call, 'Tis Dedication Day."
List! hear ye not those songs, Which pour forth streams of love? It seems that some angelic throng Has sent them from above.
Why are these souls with music stirred, What means all this, I pray? Can it be you haven't heard, 'Tis Dedication Day?
The work of a hand is finished, The toil of a day is done, One's labor is diminished, Yet a great work to be done.
We stand 'mid beauty and splendor, And gaze on these sacred walls, While our hearts many thanks do tender, To Him who dost heed our calls.
You've struggled, yea, toiled unceasing, To complete a glorious work, Each day new efforts increasing, Daring not shrink nor shirk.
Part of your toils are at an end, And part, yea, just begun, As your feeble efforts blend, In love to the Holy One.