Expert: LaZeric Freeman - 11/17/2009

Question
In the late 1950's, the Girls' Youth Choir at my Methodist Church sang an anthem which I have not been able to find.  The tune is "Welcome, Sweet Springtime."  The words I remember are these: Come to the Temple of God with a song
Serve Him with gladness ?????
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise
Blessing His Holy Name
We are the people who in His pastures dwell
He is our Shepherd who guards His children well
Come then and sing, Come then and sing
Praise to our King, Praise to our King
Our King .......
I really do appreciate any help that you can give me.
Beth H. Ray

Answer
Wow Beth, you're really expecting a lot from someone who was born in the later part of the century :) But, here's what I came up with.  Hope this is what you're looking for.  It's possible that the words were changed to fit church:

WELCOME SWEET SPRINGTIME

Welcome, sweet Springtime! We greet thee in song,
Murmurs of gladness fall on the ear,
Voices long hushed now their full notes prolong
Echoing far and near.
Sunshine now wakes all the flow'rets from sleep,
Joy-giving incense floats on the air;
Snow-drop and primrose both timidly peep,
Hailing the glad new year.

Balmy and life-breathing breezes are blowing,
Swiftly to nature new vigor bestowing.
Ah, how my heart beats with rapture anew,
As earth's fairest beauties again meet my view.  (Rest...)

Sing then, ye birds: raise your voices on high;
Flow'rets awake ye! Burst into bloom!
Springtime is come! and sweet Summer is nigh,
Sing then, ye birds, O sing!