The Church Hymnal ‎#295

295. Thy Temple is not made with hands

1 Thy Temple is not made with hands,
'Tis lit by many a golden star;
The purple height of mountain lands
Its everlasting pillars are.

2 Thee, highest heaven cannot contain,
Great Lord of earth, and sky, and sea!
Yet enter in, and bless the fane
Adoring hands have reared for Thee.

[3* Unworthy gifts and touched with fears,
And memories of our loved at rest;
Draw nigh, O Lord, and dry our tears,
And be Thy presence here confest.]

4 For welcome to the babe new-born,
For strengthening hands on bended head,
For blessings on the marriage morn,
And sweet words whispered o'er the dead;

5 For food divine to souls sufficed,
For words that warn, for prayers that press,
Arise and enter in, O Christ!
And with Thy presence all things bless.

6 So praise to Thy great Name shall rise
Up from these walls, this sacred floor,
Who made, Who saves, Who sanctifies,
Forever and for evermore.

Amen.

* To be used of a memorial church

Text Information

• First Line: Thy Temple is not made with hands
• Author: C. F. Alexander
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1894
• Topic: Consecration of Churches; Corner-stone and Consecration
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: GERMANY
• Composer: Beethoven
• Meter: L. M.
• Key: B♭ Major
• Notes: Now Public Domain.