Category: Poems

For more information click here - the Celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the birth of Hugh Bourne one of the founders of Primitive Methodism and the History of Primitive Methodism

A song - From farmyard to fireside this carpenter, preacher	 

Written 23 January 2022 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Hugh Bourne, one of the founders of Primitive Methodism.


From farmyard to fireside this carpenter, preacher
set free by the gospel sang praise in the hills, 
like Jesus, the poor were his constant companions, 
from factory or workhouse, from slum house to mills.

The good news was more than a spiritual compass, 
he broke from the ones who were buttressed by wealth, 
he shattered the barriers of class and distinction, 
and sought for equality, freedom and health.

He read to the heart of the scripture he studied, 
envisaged a commonwealth founded on grace, 
where all of the people were one with each other, 
who sought to see Jesus in everyone’s face.

He offered redemption to all who would hear him, 
not bounded by buildings, conditions or rules, 
the people were warmed by his kind invitation, 
though some criticised them, and some called them fools.

A primitive gospel was all that was needed 
to lift them above, build up hope, banish shame, 
that simple perspective will rest with God’s people, 
who humbly still follow in Jesus’s name.

Andrew Pratt  
Words © 2022 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd.
The tune STREETS OF LAREDO is commended for this text.

A hymn - We will join in celebration	.


Written to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Hugh Bourne, one of the founders of Primitive Methodism.


We will join in celebration
of the line in which we stand, 
grown beyond imagination, 
grace for all throughout the land: 
sisters, brothers (sisters, brothers),
here in union, hand in hand.

Once a man who followed Jesus
had a vision for the earth,
grace and joy for all the people 
freed from poverty from birth: 
sing the story (sing the story),
sing in knowledge of our worth.

From a farm to work and fireside 
he would preach and work and act, 
living out the gospel message, 
turning words to living fact, 
still we’re learning (still we’re learning),
letting love and faith attract.

Now in grace and hope and friendship 
we will stand on solid ground,
we will follow in the footsteps
of the Christ Hugh Bourne had found:
onward pilgrims (onward pilgrims),
let our song of joy resound!

Andrew Pratt  
Words © 2022 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd.
Metre: 8.7.8.7.4.7
The tunes ROUSSEAU’S DREAM, SAINT RAPHAEL, REGENT SQUARE and RHUDDLAN are commended for this text. (If sung to REGENT SQUARE or RHUDDLAN, repeats should be used in the penultimate line of each verse, as shown in parentheses)

'We will join in celebration' intentionally mirrors the pattern of Hugh Bourne's own hymn, 'Hark! the gospel news is sounding' (later attributed jointly to William Sanders)

Hark! the gospel news is sounding:
Christ hath suffered on the tree;
Streams of mercy are abounding;
Grace for all is rich and free.
Now, poor sinner,
Look to him who died for thee.

O escape to yonder mountain!
Now begin to watch and pray;
Christ invites you to the fountain,
Come, and wash your sins away:
Do not tarry,
Come to Jesus while you may.

Grace is flowing like a river;
Millions there have been supplied;
Still it flows as fresh as ever
From the Saviour's wounded side:
None need perish;
All may live, for Christ hath died.

Christ alone shall be our portion;
Soon we hope to meet above,
Then we'll bathe in the full ocean
Of the great Redeemer's love;
All his fullness,
We shall then for ever prove.

William Sanders (1799-1882) and Hugh Bourne (1772-1852)
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