The Hairst*

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!

Written in 1844 by Henry Alford. Sung to the tune St. George's, Windsor by George Job Elvey.

The first verse of the popular hymn sung at Harvest Festivals throughout the land.

Most years, in this part of the world, by the time of the Harvest Festivals only part of the harvest has been safely gathered in and the winter storms are well underway. However, this year with a fine hot, dry Summer and Autumn the words of the hymn are, for once, ringing true!

*Hairst. Scots word for harvest or Autumn