What a debt we owe to the nineteenth century poet, scholar and Anglican priest John Neale who translated this and so many really great hymns from the Latin. The original words of this much loved hymn, which has long been sung in schools, and at great occasions on behalf of Church and State, originally highlighted the continuity between the glories of the Heavenly city and God’s great power, ability and willingness to help His people now.
The much shortened words that we have set it to here are the ones most commonly sung today. The powerful music is by one of England’s greatest composers: Henry Purcell, and set, most appropriately, to a tune called Westminster Abbey.
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ, our head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the Church in one;
holy Zion’s help forever
and our confidence alone.
2 To this temple, where we call you,
come, O Lord of hosts, and stay;
come with all your lovingkindness,
hear your people as they pray;
and your fullest benediction
speak within these walls today.
3 Grant, we pray, to all your faithful
all the gifts they ask to gain;
what they gain from you forever
with the blessed to retain;
And hereafter in your glory
evermore with you to reign.
4 Praise and honor to the Father,
praise and honor to the Son,
praise and honor to the Spirit,
ever three and ever one:
one in might and one in glory
while unending ages run!
Recorded at The House of the Open Door, with Anthony Thompson (Trumpet), Peter Richards (Keyboard), Nicola Gerrard, (Flute) and Francis Cummings, Shirley Richards, Philippa Barton, Christiane Mueller and Jo Garcia (Strings). Ruach Breath of Life 2022,