City of God

City of God

Jess Hetherington

We have labored-up our heritage on good and noble lines
Precept upon precept, layer upon layer, generation to generation
And have fashioned our homes and homilies upon foundations to endure
The greatest of tempests; monstrous crying of wind
To succor our aching, burning-dreams
With ardency of heart, raised these cathedral walls to heave-heavenward
And have carved out naves therein to capture your light and fire
It is here, upon these holy grounds and hallowed halls-reminded
Of all your benefits bestowed
And in this providential and stately-state, I pray
That Alaric remain un-stirred
To take flight and rise on dark winds of night
Descend from the north with barbarian sword
To sack our human-ness and art of decency
Ravage these flying arches and towers and aspiring-spires of our dreams
And topple down, these walls and living stones with disregard
The work of faithful, plodding, laborers-past
This City of God

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Jess Hetherington
Poet & Superintendent

Jess Hetherington has served the Maranatha Christian School community as the Superintendent since 2013. For many years, Mr. Hetherington taught (AP) Advanced Placement History, British Literature and Bible at the High School level and served as a Superintendent for six years at a K-12 private school located in North County San Diego prior to coming to Maranatha Christian Schools. He earned his B.A. in History/Social Science from Azusa Pacific University as a student-athlete and has attended graduate school through Azusa Pacific University, Talbot School of Theology and California Baptist University where he studied Education, Philosophy of Religion/Ethics and Educational Leadership (M.A.).  Jess and his wife Courtney have five children, and all attend MCS.

Photography by David Billings