When the shining gates unfold,
Who may tell the peace,
That shall fill our trusting souls,
When our trials cease?
When our King shall call us hence,
Ever to remain,
With our friends, who passed along,
To unite again.
When the shining gates unfold,
We shall meet the friends we love,
In the realms where streets are gold,
In the Father’s home above.
When the shining gates unfold,
Sweet the rapturous strain,
Wafted softly on the air,
In a grand refrain.
Sung by angel choir on high,
How the notes will ring,
As the golden harps resound,
While the ransomed sing. [Refrain]
When the shining gates unfold,
We His face shall see,
Who hath come to earth today,
Bringing liberty.
If but faithful we shall prove,
With life’s story told,
We shall welcome that glad hour,
When the gates unfold. [Refrain]
– Laura E. Newell (1854–1916)