"Quarantine Quire Camp" #3

The text for this week's hymn, the third from our "Quarantine Quire Camp" series, is a translation of an ancient Latin hymn by J. M. Neale, a nineteenth-century English clergyman. He was also the translator of the well-known Easter Hymn "Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain." The music is an adaptation of a piece by Henry Purcell, one of the greatest English composers in history. Purcell was Organist at Westminster Abbey, whence the hymn tune's name. While working there, he wrote coronation and funeral music for several kings and queens of England, much of which is still sung today.

The words are below - sing along, and enjoy! Christ is made the sure foundation,

Christ the head and cornerstone,

chosen of the Lord, and precious,

binding all the Church in one;

holy Zion’s help for ever,

and her confidence alone.

All that dedicated city,

dearly loved of God on high,

in exultant jubilation

pours perpetual melody;

God the One in Three adoring

in glad hymns eternally.

To this temple, where we call thee,

come, O Lord of Hosts, today;

with thy wonted loving-kindness

hear thy servants as they pray,

and thy fullest benediction

shed within its walls alway.

Here vouchsafe to all thy servants

what they ask of thee to gain;

what they gain from thee, for ever

with the blessèd to retain,

and hereafter in thy glory

evermore with thee to reign.

If you want to know more about our fall musical offerings, please contact Adam Detzner, Director of Music, at music@christchurchcolumbia.org.