Words and music by William Billings
published in The Singing Master’s Assistant

Chester has always been an anthem of the American Revolution, functioning in its day as a way for New Englanders to demonstrate solidarity and to cry out together during a tumultuous and war-ravaged time. Chester existed in many forms, as a tune to be roared out or played in the streets, or as a four-part hymn to be sung in meeting houses, singing schools and churches.