Choral Akari Archive

Forward Through the Ages

Hymn Information

Folder: Main III, no. 37
Tune used, name: 'St. Gertrude'
Composer: Sullivan, Arthur (1842–1900); composed in 1871
Lyricist: Hosmer, Frederick Lucian (1840–1929); written in 1908

Source used for representative text: from hymnary.org, Hymns for a Pilgrim People: a congregational hymnal #502

Resources and Audios

Sheet music, project file and MIDI:

Audio files (separate parts for Lead, Accompaniment I, Accompaniment II and Bass):

Audio file (all parts combined):

Representative Text

1
Forward through the ages,
In unbroken line,
Move the faithful spirits
At the call divine.
Gifts in diff'ring measure,
Hearts of one accord,
Manifold the service,
One the sure reward.

Refrain:
Forward through the ages,
In unbroken line,
Move the faithful spirits
At the call divine.

2
Wider grows the kingdom,
Reign of love and light;
For it we must labor,
Till our faith is sight.
Prophets have proclaimed it,
Martyrs testified,
Poets sung its glory,
Heroes for it died. [Refrain]

3
Not alone we conquer,
Not alone we fall;
In each loss or triumph
Lose or triumph all.
Bound by God’s far purpose
In one living whole,
Move we on together
To the shining goal! [Refrain]