May 11, 2025

The organ prelude is based on "Darwall's 148th", our processional hymn (625).  This is the only hymn tune of Darwall (1731-1789) in common use; it is a well known and often used tune, and compliments the reading from Revelation.  The setting is by the English organist/composer Percy Whitlock, 1903-1946.  Like many  composers, it is unfortunate he did not live longer!

The Gospel hymn is a favorite of many-- "The Lord my God my shepherd is", 663, a paraphrase of Psalm 23.  Our day's anthem follows this theme, and is "Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us", by the American composer and organist, Calvin Hampton (1938-1984), a graduate of both Syracuse University and Oberlin Conservatory.  The 19th century text is by Dorothy Thrupp.

Communion hymns are more favorites, "My faith looks up to Thee" (691), and "Jerusalem the golden" (624).  Closing, we will sing the Easter hymn, "Good Christians all, rejoice and sing",  205.   You might note how old this popular hymn is!

The postlude is an Albert Travis (contemporary, American) setting of the most popular Beethoven hymn tune, "Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee", 376.