April 27, 2025

The prelude is based on the well known tune from "Southern Harmony", called "Holy Manna".  It has been used for various texts, and is in our hymnal twice, both 238 and 580.  The setting is by the prolific American composer whose music I and many other organists play often, Dale Wood (1934-2003).

Our processional hymn is "Awake, arise, lift up your voice", 212.  If you check out the notes in the hymnal you will find that the text is probably older than the tune, which is either late 18th century or early  19th.  It is a good tune and one I think everyone knows--and an Easter hymn we have not yet sung this season.  

The Gospel hymn text by Henry Alford uses the wonderful 20th century tune by Gordon Slater; it is 209, "We walk by faith, and not by sight".  Though an "Easter hymn", we sing this beautiful hymn and text several times a year.

Due to lack of rehearsal time after Easter Sunday and with so many  choristers "out" temporarily, we will sing an offertory hymn with the congregation, in place of an anthem; this will be 435. "At the name of Jesus", the beloved hymn by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Communion hymns are 206. "O sons and daughters, let us sing" -- the tune known as "O filii et filiae", on which countless pieces are based-- and 205, "Good Christians all, rejoice and sing", a popular hymn from the late 16th or 17th centuries.  

Closing, we will sing "Jesus lives!", 194, another great Easter hymn we sing every so often, so it is well known to all.

The postlude by Franklin D. Ashdown (20th century American), is a setting of "Ein feste Burg"-- "A mighty fortress is our God:", 688 in our hymnal.