Idealkirche

Dear wife I found a model church
And worshipped there today
It made me think of the good old times
Before my hair was gray

The meetinghouse was finer built
Than they were years ago
But I found out when I went in
It was not built for show

The sexton did not sit me down
Away back by the door
He knew that I was old and deaf
And saw that I was poor

He must have been a Christian man
He led me boldly through
The long aisle of that crowded church
To find a pleasant pew

I wish you'd heard the singing, wife
it had the old town ring
The preacher said with trumpet voice
Let all the people sing

Oh Coronation was the tune
The music upward roared
I thought I heard the angel choir
Strike on their harps of gold

I tell you wife it did me good
To sing those hymns once more
I felt just like some wrecked marine
Who gets a glimpse of shore

It made me want to lay aside
This weather beaten form
And anchor in that blessed port
Forever from the storm

Dear wife the toil will soon be o'er
The victory soon be won
The shining strand is just ahead
Our race is nearly run

We're near to Canaan's happy shore
Our hopes are bright and fair
Thank God we'll never sin again
There'll be no sorrow there

There'll be no sorrow there
In heaven above
Where all is love
There'll be no sorrow there

(Verschiedene Versionen in der Max Hunter Folksong Collection und sonstwo)