Priory Bells Hymn
The St. Bees Bell Ringer’s Hymn
Composed by Canon H D Rawnsley for the jubilee of the bells in 1908
Angel voices from the steeple
Throbbing through the sunlit air
Call to-day a joyful people
To their house of praise and prayer
Labourers in far fields may hear them,
Shepherds listen on the fells,
Ring aloud to bless and cheer them!
Rock and ring ye happy bells!
Bells! Week in week out, be preachers,
Calling men to watch and pray,
Bid the chiming hours as teachers,
Warn us that we cannot stay
Send the Christmas message flying
Sound the Easter memories clear,
When the sad old year is dying
Welcome in the glad new year.
Speed the news to rouse a nation
Echoing down the country side,
Speak your sure congratulation
To the bridegroom and the bride,
And when men whose tears are falling
To the quiet churchyard come,
Toll the bell whose solemn calling,
Brings the worn and weary home
0 Lord God to whom we bring them-
Sons of fire and moulder’s art.
Fill with fire the hands that ring them,
Mould anew each listener’s heart
Till, like bells within a steeple,
Sounding forth with sweet accord,
Ringers, singers, priest and people
Make one voice to praise the Lord.
Suggested tune: “Austria” by Haydn.
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