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Federation Hymn
From the Unitarian hymn book The Celebration of Life. Lines from Tennyson’s poem Locksley Hall 1842. In the hymn it is set to the music of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, 9th Symphony. The 30 member Chalice Choir of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver sang it on 6th Feb 2014 and was recorded. Choir Director Donna Brown. Pianist Elliott Dainow.
This recording was arranged with the generous cooperation of Donna Brown with Vivian Davidson, president of the World Federalist Movement-Vancouver Branch. It is available, can be forwarded to others, with credit given to Unitarian Chalice Choir and World Federalists, Vancouver if played at a meeting.
Federalist Hymn.mp3
MP3 Audio File 2.8 MB
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LYRICS:

 

Not in vain the distance beacons.  Forward, forward let us range.

Let the great world spin forever down the ringing grooves of change

Through the shadow of the globe we sweep ahead to heights sublime

We, the heirs of all the ages, in the foremost files of time.

 

Oh, we see the crescent promise of that spirit has not set.

Ancient founts of inspiration well through our fancies yet.

And we doubt not through the ages one increasing purpose runs.

And the thoughts of all are widened with the process of the suns.

 

Yes, we dip into the future, far as human eye can see,

See the vision of the world and all the wonder that shall be

Hear the war drum throb no longer, see the battle flags all furled

In the parliament of all, the Federation of the World.