The Island Hymn

'The Island Hymn'

'The Island Hymn'. Patriotic song of Prince Edward Island, with music by Lawrence W. Watson to words by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Montgomery wrote the words in 1907, the year before her famous novel Anne of Green Gables appeared. The song was performed first on Arbor Day, in early May 1907, at the Charlottetown Public School, to the tune of 'God Save the King'. Watson, a druggist and the organist at St Peter's Cathedral in the city, later wrote a new tune, keeping, however, the rhythm of 'God Save the King'.

The manuscript music, dated Charlottetown, 27 Oct 1908, and correspondence relating to it are displayed at Green Gables House, Cavendish, PEI. An edition for mixed-voice choir was printed by Leslie Music Supply for the Prince Edward Island 1973 Centennial Committee.