Composer: Frederick W. Faber
1. Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious Word!
Refrain:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.
2. Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
How sweet would be their children’s fate,
If they, like them, could die for thee!
3. Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free.
4. Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Story behind the song
Frederick Faber (1814-1863) was an Anglican priest who converted to the Roman Catholic Church and co-established the Oratorians with John Henry Newman in London. Faber wrote hymns after his conversion, including the well-known "Faith of Our Fathers." The hymn underwent alterations to make it more inclusive, with a final stanza emphasizing love and unity. The refrain was later added by James G. Walton. Faber expressed admiration for Protestant hymn writers and the King James Bible.