“I do this day in the presence of God and my own soul renew my covenant with God and solemnly determine henceforth to become His and to do His work as far as in me lies.”  These astounding words of determination came from a lad, sixteen years of age, in England, in 1826.  His name was Henry Alford.  He came from a long line of clergymen.  His father, his grandfather and his great-grandfather were all ministers of the Church of England before him.  He, too, became an Anglican vicar.

Henry Alford was born in London in 1810.  His first charge came after graduation from Trinity College, Cambridge.  His gentle disposition, cheerful attitude, and sheer genius catapulted him to fame and high honor.  In 1857 he became the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral. He was a versatile man: an artist, organist, singer, composer of verse, and superb preacher. 

He loved to mingle with the common man.  He never seemed to lose his vision of the pit from which he, too, had been lifted.  He was thankful.  In the fall of 1844, the people of the hamlet of Wymeswold decided to have a harvest festival.  For this occasion, Mr. Alford wrote a song which has been used extensively at Thanksgiving time:

Come, ye thankful people, come, Raise the song of harvest-home: All is safely gathered in, Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide For our wants to be supplied: Come to God’s own temple, come, Raise the song of harvest–home.

Bro. J.E.