May 17, 2026

The prelude is based on the opening hymn, "Llanfair" (presumably called that because the blind from birth author was from that small Welsh town), and is by McNeil Robinson, the internationally renowned American organist and composer (1943-2015).  The hymn is 214 in our hymnal but is used sometimes for other texts; this text, by Charles Wesley, is "Hail the day that sees Him rise", obviously appropriate for Ascension Day!

Our Gospel hymn is verses 1 & 4 of "Hail, thou once despised Jesus", 495, the very well known and loved 18th century hymn.  Note in the hymnal that the 2 verse have different authors. Our anthem is the Ralph Vaughan Williams arrangement of his "own" hymn, "At the Name of Jesus", 434. Communion hymns are "Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor" (307, v. 1, 4, & 5), and "O food to pilgrims given" (309), the very old tune harmonized by J. S. Bach.

Closing we will sing the most popular tune, by George Job Elvey, "Crown Him with many crowns" (494). The postlude is the Alexander Matthews (20th c. American) arrangement of "Jesus shall reign" (544).