17 September 2016

Anglican Patrimony: "Christ is our corner-stone" (Hymn)

+

This is one of my favourite Anglican hymns, but I understand it is sung very rarely today.  A well know organist somewhere in North America tells me it is never sung.  I find that hard to believe, but these days people want to sing "Comfort Tunes" rather than great hymns of the faith.  

This is a wonderful hymn that should be sung not only by Anglicans and Episcopalians but especially by Ordinariate Catholics ... in my humble opinion.



Christ is our corner-stone,
on him alone we build ;
with his true saints alone
the courts of heaven are filled :
on his great love
our hopes we place
of present grace
and joys above.

O then with hymns of praise
these hallowed courts shall ring ;
our voices we will raise
the Three in One to sing ;
and thus proclaim
in joyful song,
both loud and long,
that glorious name.

Here, gracious God, do thou_
for evermore draw nigh ;
accept each faithful vow,
and mark each suppliant sign ;
in copious shower
on all who pray
each holy day
thy blessings pour.

Here may we gain from heaven
the grace which we implore ;
and may that grace, once given,
be with us evermore,
until that day
when all the blest
to endless rest
are called away.
Hymns Ancient & Modern
New Standard, No. 61, p. 349



Text: Latin, before 9th cent.

tr. J. Chandler (1806-76)
+