The words of this hymn were composed for the centennial of our country, July 4, 1876, by Daniel C. Roberts, the rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Brandon, Vermont. In 1892, the hymn was chosen for the celebration of the centennial of the United States Constitution, and for this occasion the tune “National Hymn” was composed by George W. Warren, an organist in New York City.

Recordings of Masses and Hymns

Music in the hymnal, Mass settings and hymns, are recorded and accessible online as MP3 files for free download.  Access on the Ignatius Press site – http://www.ignatius.com/promotions/adoremus-hymnal/downloadable-mp3s.htm