"Brethren, We Have Met Together", commonly known by the first line "Brethren, we have met to worship", is one of the oldest published American folk hymns. The lyrics were written by George Atkins and first published in 1819. The traditional tune, Holy Manna, is a pentatonic melody in Ionian mode originally published by William Moore in Columbian Harmony, a four-note shape-note tunebook, in 1829.^[1] Like most shape-note songs from that century, it is usually written in three parts.

It is commonly sung as the opening song at shape-note singing events.

This hymn is one of the oldest published American folk hymns, and its staying power is a testament to the hymn's life.

This masterpiece by George Atkins (unknown-1816) was written in 1819. With a little inspiration from Psalm 95:6 and Psalm 99:5, this hymn is complete with the tune provided by William Moore (ca 1790- 1850). Moore used the tune "Holy Manna" for the lyrics, and it is highly appropriate. The hymn, with its melody, was published in Moore's Columbian Harmony' (1825).

Some versions of this hymn have six, five or even four stanzas. The number of lines remains the same: eight lines of worship dedicated to the Lord. This long hymn is a favorite and often used for the opening of service - an excellent way to start the highest form of prayer to God.

An Irish immigrant, George Askins tried his luck when he decided to move to the United States of America for the remainder of his life. He became a preacher in many places like Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky. He has eight hymns attributed to him, and this hymn is his most famous work. Several versions of his surname exist including Askins, Atkins and other variations.

Little is also known about William Moore. This composer has his own share of hymns he wrote apart from the tunes he composed. He created six hymns and four tunes. His composed melodies include "Holy Manna," 'Living for the Master only,' 'The love of the Savior is precious' and 'Daylight is breaking, the Earth is awaking.'

To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!

Lyrics;

Brethren, we have met to worship and adore the Lord our God;
Will you pray with all your power, while we try to preach the Word?
All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down;
Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.
Brethren, see poor sinners round you slumb’ring on the brink of woe;
Death is coming, hell is moving, can you bear to let them go?
See our fathers and our mothers, and our children sinking down;
Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.
Sisters, will you join and help us? Moses’ sister aided him;
Will you help the trembling mourners who are struggling hard with sin?
Tell them all about the Savior, tell them that He will be found;
Sisters, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.
Is there here a trembling jailer, seeking grace, and filled with fears?
Is there here a weeping Mary, pouring forth a flood of tears?
Brethren, join your cries to help them; sisters, let your prayers abound;
Pray, oh, pray that holy manna may be scattered all around.
Let us love our God supremely, let us love each other, too;
Let us love and pray for sinners, till our God makes all things new.
Then He’ll call us home to Heaven, at His table we’ll sit down;
Christ will gird Himself and serve us with sweet manna all around.