“ISLAND HYMN” 
     
    
   
   
    
     The words of the “Island Hymn” were written by L. M. Mont- 
     
     gomery, and the music was composed by Lawrence W. Watson, an- 
     
     other Islander, and organist of St. Peter’s Cathedral, Charlottetown. 
     
    
   
   
    
     In 1908, S. Harry Watts, organist and choir director of the 
     
     First Methodist Church, Charlottetown, and Supervisor of Music 
     
     in the public schools, feeling the need of some distinctive Prince Ed- 
     
     ward Island Ode for use in schools, and other public gatherings, ap— 
     
     proached Lawrence W. Watson, a fellow-organist and composer and 
     
     asked him if he would write the music for an Island Hymn, if he 
     
     could find suitable words. Mr. Watson, who had already composed a 
     
     fine hymn as well as several other compositions, agreed to do so. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The words for the Hymn were then written by L. M. Mont- 
     
    
   
   
    
     gomery, and Composer and Author collaborated in making it the com- 
     
     plete and artistic composition it is. 
     
    
   
   
    
     It was first sung in public at a West Kent school closing by 
     
     the composer’s daughter (Mrs. Ruth Watson Morris) of Charlotte- 
     
     town, with Mr. Watts at the piano, and this introduction was follow- 
     
    
   
   
    
     ed by the general adoption of the Island Hymn at all public meetings 
     
     and gatherings. 
     
    
   
   
    
     (Written for the “Institute News” by Mrs. Ruth Watson Morris) 
     
    
   
   
    
     ISLAND HYMN 
     
    
   
   
    
     Fair Island of the sea, Upon our princely Isle 
     
     We raise our song to thee, May kindest fortune smile 
     
     The bright and blest; In coming years; 
     
     Loyally now we stand Peace and prosperity 
     
     As brothers, hand in hand, In all her borders be, 
     
     And sing God save the land From every evil free, 
     
     We love the best. And weakling fears. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Prince Edward Isle, to thee 
     
    

    
     Our hearts shall faithful be 
     
    

    
     Where’er we dwell; 
     
    

    
     Forever may we stand 
     
    

    
     As brothers, hand in hand, 
     
    

    
     And sing- God save the land 
     
     We love so well. 
     
    
   
   
    
     By Permission of John H. Morris 
     
    
   
   
    
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