1 When the old church bell that we love so well
Swings aloft in belfry tall,
With a joyous peal,
O how glad we feel!
As we hasten to its call.
Refrain:
Hark! the old church bell, in its glad chimes dwell,
Invitations sweet and clear;
Let us haste away in the early day
To the Sunday-school so dear.
2 Hear the old church bell as its glad notes swell
On the balmy morning air
Parents, teachers, all
At its pleading call,
Gather at the house of pray’r. [Refrain]
3 Swings the old church bell, O its measures tell
Invitations soft and sweet,
And our school-mates dear,
As its chimes they hear
Speed to school with willing feet. [Refrain]
4 Ring the old church bell, over hill and dell,
Spread afar the tuneful peal,
Call the street-waifs in,
Let them now begin
In the Sunday-school to kneel. [Refrain]
Source: Triumphant Songs No.5 #18
C. Louise Bell, also known a Birdie Bell, was born, raised and lived in New York city. She began writing hymns when she was sixteen years old. She is the author of more than 500 hymns, 200 religious poems, and 200 Christmas and Easter lyrics, as well as short stories, and articles. She wrote under the name of Birdie Bell, which is what her family called her.
Dianne Shapiro, from "The Singers and Their Songs: sketches of living gospel hymn writers" by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (Chicago: The Rodeheaver Company, 1916) Go to person page >
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