St. Martin's Hymn
November 12, 2020
Did you know that we've got our very own version of a hymn about St. Martin of Tours? Every year we sing this song on St. Martin's Day. The lyrics were written by the Rt. Rev. Frank Griswold when he was the Rector of Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. It is set to the common tune titled, Puer Nobis.
The hymn tells the full tale of St. Martin of Tours' encounter with a beggar one day along the roadside - the encounter fabled to have turned his path toward Christ.
Enjoy!
St. Martin's Hymn
Lyrics by the Rt. Rev. Frank Griswold
1. Twas on a cold and wint’ry night
The snow was falling swift and white.
Along the road a soldier came
In cloak dark blue of Roman fame.
2. As he did pass along the way,
A voice cried out, “Brave soldier, stay!”
And in a ditch the road beside,
A man near death, the soldier spied.
3. Quick down he leapt and cut in two
His woolen cloak of Roman Blue.
“Good fellow, may this wool you warm,
And keep you safe from further harm.”
4.Then all at once, the man did rise,
And change before the soldier‘s eyes.
“My Brother, Martin, good and true,
I am the Lord, and I need you.
5. You shall bear witness to my love,
And by your life, my presence prove;
To all in need, both friend and foe,
My Father’s mercy you shall show.”
6. Baptized was Martin straight away,
Then to the woods he went to pray.
But soon from Tours the people came,
And made him bishop in Christ’s name.
7. As priest and shepherd of the town,
He ministered to all around.
May we, like him, go forth in love,
And by our lives, Christ’s presence prove.
8. O God of Saints! to you we cry;
O Savior! plead for us on high;
O Holy Spirit! guide and friend,
Grant us your grace ‘til life shall end.
Listen!
Lyrics by the Rt. Rev. Frank Griswold, set to the tune Puer Nobis.St. Martin's Hymn
| Speaker: Dr. Lyn H. Loewi
Did you know that we've got our very own version of a hymn about St. Martin of Tours? Every year we sing this song on St. Martin's Day. The lyrics were written by the Rt. Rev. Frank Griswold when he was the Rector of Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. The hymn tells the full tale of St. Martin of Tours' encounter with a beggar one day along the roadside - the encounter fabled to have turned his path toward Christ.
Recording from St. Martin's Day celebration, Sunday, November 15, 2020.
Dr. Lyn Loewi, piano
Alyson Harvey and John Wentz, cantors
St. Martin's Handbell Choir
Tags: St. Martin's Feast Day / Music / About Us / Children & Families
