Written in 1902, the “Ode to Newfoundland” was first performed with music from E.R. Krippner, a German bandmaster living in Newfoundland. Boyle wanted more “dignified” music for the work, and subsequently set it to music written by his friend Hubert Parry (who also wrote the hymn “Jerusalem”), choosing one of two pieces composed for it. The anthem was declared the official anthem of the territory, and was retained when it became a Dominion (a term for a self-governing country in the British Empire, like Canada, Australia, and South Africa at the time) in 1907. In 1949, Newfoundland joined Canada, and the anthem ceased to have official standing. However, in 1979, it was readopted as the official anthem of the province (now known as Newfoundland and Labrador).
Special thanks to: Keith Terrett for the music file.