August 31, 2025

The prelude is based on our hymn at the offertory, "Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands that holy things have taken" (312), and is by the famous American composer, Leo Sowerby (1895-1968).

Our processional hymn is "Rejoice! rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear" (68), text from the 17th-18th centuries and melody from the 19th, as you may note.  It is an upbeat and familiar hymn.  Following suit, the Gospel hymn also has an older text than the familiar melody; it is the beautiful "Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove" (510).

As I noted, the offertory hymn is 312, a 20th century hymn by the Welsh born American, David McKilnley Williams (1887-1978), who developed one of the finest music programs in the United States. at St. Batholomews Church in Manhattan.  Among many other activities he was head of the organ department at Julliard.  I think you know the hymn-- listen to the prelude and you will hear it!

Communion hymns are the well known "If thou but suffer God to guide thee" (635), and "O what their joy and their glory must be" (623).

Closing we will sing the favorite of many, "How firm a foundation" (636), the Shaker hymn from "The Sacred Harp".

The postlude is by the famous Dietrich Buxttehude (born in Denmark but lived most of his life in Germany) whom J.S.Bach when he was young once walked 200 miles to hear and to study his technique!  It is his "Te Deum".  Bustehude lived from around 1637-1707-- as a reminder, J.S.Bach, 1685-1750.  Wouldn't you like to have accompanied Bach on his walk? -- and how long did it take him?  My nephew has studied much about Bach-- I wiill ask him if Bach ever wrote about the adventure!