April 7, 2024

There will be two organ preludes Sunday, the first being Edwin T. Childs' setting of "Father, We Thank You".  This tune, "Rendez A Dieu", is used 3 times in our hymnal, and happens to be the tune on which our anthem is based, using the text of 301.  Dr. Childs (PhD, Eastman School of Music) is an active composer, 79, native of New England. The second prelude is a Charles Ore setting of the familiar tune, "I know that My Redeemer lives" ("Duke Street");  Mr. Ore (b.1936), a most prolific composer, was chair of the music department at Concordia University (NE) for 35 years.

During the processional we will sing "This joyful Eastertide", hymn 192, a familiar melody from the 17th century.  Moving up about a century for the Gospel hymn, we will sing the first 3 verses of "Awake, arise, lift up your voice", 212.

Now that you already know the tune and text for the anthem, I only need to tell you the arrangement is by Carlton Young (1926-2023), American, having taught at several prestigious universities, continued composition into his retirement in Nashville, TN. He was closely involved with the Methodist church and was the first American named an honorary member of the British Methodist Church Society.

If interested, do research the communion hymns, which are 212 and the almost universally known 693!

Closing, we will sing the well known 19th century hymn, "Jesus Lives", 192.

The postlude will be an Albert Travis setting of "The day of resurrection", hymn 210 (which we sang last Sunday).  Mr. Travis (b.1040) has enjoyed a most distinguished career in the church music field; he studied with several famous organists, composed, performed, and led numerous workshops.