TITLE: Alma Mater

COVERAGE: 1924

DESCRIPTION: In 1924 the loyalty song for Johnson C. Smith University was adopted.

TYPE: Text

TEXT DATE: 1924

CREATOR: Inez Moore Parker Archives and Research Center

ACQUISITION DATE: November 2000

PROCESSED BY: Monika Rivera Rhue

HISTORICAL NOTE: There were many controversies surrounding the selection of the lyrics and song for the school Alma Mater. The loyalty song, written by George Leonard Allen and arranged by R.J. Tate, was adopted in 1924. 

The composition of the original version of the Alma Mater has been changed to reflect the coeducational student body. Except for the ending chorus written and arranged by Professor C. W. Kemp, the musical score remains the same. 

  We love thee Smith, with all our hearts!

To thee we’ll e’er be true.

And in the light of truth and right

Hold high the gold and blue.

Refrain:

 Proudly we hail thy name, or Alma Mater, Old S. U.

Johnson C. Smith, our own! Our hope, our guiding

Star, our light unfailing!

Pride of our loyal hearts, we’ll love and honor thee

our whole life through.

On, ever on! Dear old J. C. S. U.!

  II

  Fair Smith, where’ er on earth we roam,

Send forth thy constant ray,

And let it beam with steadfast gleam

To lead us o’er life way.

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SITE CREATION DATE: March 26, 2003