Hymns in History

Did you know that The Church’s One Foundation, hymn 525, is one of twelve hymns on the twelve articles of the Apostle’s Creed written by Samuel Stone, a Windsor curate who wanted his parishioners to understand basic Christian doctrine? Stanza 3 was Stone’s response to the controversies sweeping across Anglicanism at the time, among them an African bishop who appeared to condone polygamy after baptism, and who challenged the historical authenticity of scripture.

Though with a scornful wonder
men see her sore oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder,
by heresies distressed;
yet saints their watch are keeping,
their cry goes up, “How long?”
and soon the night of weeping
shall be the morn of song.

The first Lambeth Conference in 1867 was called to resolve these controversies. Subsequently, 19th c. challenges to traditional thinking by Darwinism and Anglo-Catholicism caused the grounding of the hymn in “Jesus Christ her Lord” to be even more apt.

At the third Lambeth Conference in 1888, when the Lambeth Quadrilateral, regarding the essence of historic Christianity, was adopted, the hymn was sung as a processional at all three great services. The final stanza written especially for this occasion, places the church nearest her Lord.

Thine, Thine! in bliss or sorrow,
As well in shade as shine;
Of old, today, tomorrow,
To all the ages, Thine!
Thine in her great commission,
Baptized into Thy name,
And to her last fruition
Of all her hope and aim.

Sing to the Lord a new song! September rehearsals begin, and new singers are always welcome. Check the schedule and come join us.

St. Francis Choir: (Grades K-3) practices on Wednesdays 6:00 pm -6:30 pm beginning September 6. For more details, speak to the director, Barb Lynn.

St. Cecelia St Albans Choir: (Grades 4-12) practices on Sundays 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm beginning September 10.

Choir of Pohick: (College age and adult) practices on Thursdays 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm and Sundays 8:00 am - 8:45 am beginning September 7.

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild, wild sky! Be part of the Bell Choir!

Pohick Bell Choir: (High school and adult) practices on Thursdays 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm beginning September. 7.

Worship him upon the psaltery and lyre –Pohick Pickers welcome guitarists, fiddlers, bassists, banjoists, and wind instrumentalists. For more details, contact the director, John Sessums.

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