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Alvin
W. Brubacher wrote the “Montreal River Camp Song,” sung to the tune
of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” during his time the Ontario
work camp.
1.
‘Twas
the fourth day of the New Year
Back
in nineteen forty-three
That
we went on board that flier
Headed
for Sault Ste. Marie.
Leaving
friends in tears behind us
On
that ne'er forgotten day,
When
our duty for the country
Called
us many miles away.
2.
Farewell
songs were rendered for us
From
the platform there that night,
As
the great wheels started turning
And
we pass on out of sight.
Parting
with our homes and loved ones
Sure
did give us inward pain,
As
we knew not when we'd come back
Or
would ever meet again.
3.
But
we have a friend so faithful
Who
is always at our side,
And
if only we are humble
He
will be our Strength and Guide.
So
like Sheep with Him as Shepherd
We
went meekly on our way,
Each
one's need packed up in bundles
Like
our burdens of that day.
4.
One
whole night and day we travelled,
Till
we came to journey's end,
Safe
and sound without disaster
Greeted
there by many a friend.
After
we our heads had rested
And
the sun once more did rise,
We
were greatly moved in wonder
At
the sight that filled our eyes.
 |
 |
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| CO quartet |
Fred Cressman and COs singing |
Musical entertainment |
5.
Monstrous
hills all deck in glory
With
deep gorges in between,
And
the big blue sea before us
Make
a never forgotten scene.
All
this art of matchless beauty
Made
by unseen Hands Divine,
Made
us in our hearts feel thankful
For
the Glory He let shine.
6.
For
example some old pine tree
Standing
there for ages past,
Having
gone through many trials
Yet
so tall, straight, firm and fast.
Or
some cold and rugged boulder
Having
weathered many gales,
Stands
there yet so firm and faithful
Never
falters, never fails.
7.
In
such ways can nature teach us
Through
our trials thick and thin,
If
we put our trust in Jesus
Faith
and courage always win.
As
our work was build a highway
Through
this country wild and rough,
Oft
confronted by a barrier
Made
the going very tough.
8.
But
when once this road is finished
And
the tourists here may roam,
I
hope God may have directed
Me
to my dear friends and home!
So
in earnest hopes we're waiting
For
that day they'll set us free,
But
no doubt some friends we met here
On
this earth no more we'll see.
[ASP,
44-45]
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