UUA Margaret Fuller Bicentennial Committee Announces Hymn Competition
To honor Margaret Fuller’s 200th birthday the UUA Margaret Fuller Bicentennial Committee is sponsoring a hymn competition.
Specifications:
- Composers are encouraged to use the provided text (see below), which was written by Dr. Ed Thompson, though other texts will be considered. Any entries using alternate texts should include either a statement that lyrics are original, documentation that the text is in the public domain, or a signed and dated agreement from the copyright holder granting permission to use the text.
- The hymn should be suitable for worship and the melody should be appropriate for congregational singing. Entries will be evaluated according to performance by a group of amateur singers.
- Hymn should include accessible keyboard accompaniment and/or guitar chords.
- Additional instrumentation or descants may be included, but should not be essential to the effective performance of the hymn in a worship service.
Submission requirements:
- Cover letter with composer contact information
- Please submit two printed copies. Copies should not include composer’s name. Music should be set in Finale™, Sibelius™ or other music publishing software. PDF files will be acceptable.
- All entries must be postmarked by January 10, 2010.
- Send submissions to:
Margaret Fuller Hymn Competition
First Parish in Concord
20 Lexington Road
Concord, MA 01720 - Electronic submissions will also be accepted. They must be dated by midnight on January 15, 2010. Electronic entries should include cover e-mail with composer contact info and PDF file of the score that complies with the specifications above. Please send electronic submissions to mfhymns @ gmail.com.
The winning composer will receive a $500.00 prize. The winning hymn will be announced and distributed to UU congregations in time for services on Margaret Fuller’s 200th birthday on May 23, 2010. The winning hymn will also be sung at a special program honoring the Margaret Fuller Bicentennial at the 2010 General Assembly in Minneapolis, MN.
Copyright of winning hymn(s) will be to the composer and lyricist with the agreement that the hymn will be made available free of charge through May 23, 2011. The committee reserves the right to award other prizes as deemed appropriate. Please direct any inquiries to Elizabeth Norton, Music Director, First Parish in Concord mfhymns @ gmail.com; 978-369-9602 x420.
New Worlds Manifest
Adapted from the writings of Margaret Fuller by Dr. Ed Thompson
We seek in nature and in art
For ways to comprehend
The meaning that our life enfolds,
What makes us break or bend.
Within each leaf and brush of paint
Our traits we apprehend;
And in these patterns we can find
A life that’s without end.
All women and all men alike
May freely use the mind,
And thus from thoughtless, mannered ways
A truer pathway find.
But also, freely, let’s employ
Imagination’s part,
that dwells inside of every soul;
and makes of life an art.
No matter what our circumstance,
Our nature is to grow
And in that growth we may discern
the gifts we can bestow.
Whatever be your calling, do!
Sincerely, and with zest;
And in that work may we then find
The ‘holy’ manifest.
And on this journey share the thoughts
That beckon, old or new;
Surpassing challenge, strive beyond:
Our lives will be renewed.
With courage then, may we reach out
To aid the oppressed and weak
And in that struggle manifest
The justice that we seek.
Last updated on Wednesday, September 9, 2009.
