Dedicatory Hymn Poem by John Bowring

Composed For The Opening of Chapel Lane Chapel


Beyond the immeasurable space
Where glimmers the remotest star;
Beyond those cycles whence we trace,
Though faintly, what we were and are;
The only lights that smile and shine,
And elevate, are Thee and thine.


From Thee to thine we grope our way,
But feel more vigour as we grope;
While darkness brightens into day,
And faith is born of trembling hope:
And on still-strengthening pinions we
Soar up from what is thine-to Thee!


Be with us now! The pile we rear
In reverence-may the worshipper
Who seeks Thy presence find it here;
Thyself the Great Interpreter
To unveil the veiled-to pour Thy light
In all its glories-infinite.