May 1 is the feast day of Saint Philip and Saint James, two of the less well-known Apostles who are commemorated together apparently only because they were buried together in a church in Rome (though there is now some doubt about that).
Today's hymn is from the Book of Common Praise (1909), published for the Church of England in Canada. Author William Edgar Enman (1869-1950), though born in Canada, worked for several years in U.S. publishing houses. He wrote articles for several journals including The Living Church, an Episcopal publication (still in existence) which also published several of his hymn texts. After returning to Canada, Enman published privately One Hundred Hymns and Sacred Lyrics (c.1945). This book seems to be largely unknown, as only three of his texts are available on the Cyber Hymnal and Hymnary.org.
Jesus Christ, we offer highest praise to thee,
Who didst free thy people from captivity;
Sending thine apostles to convey thy grace
Unto every nation, unto every race.
Two of those apostles we remember now,
Whom thou didst so freely with thy grace endow.
Thou unto Saint Philip hast thyself revealed,
Maker, Christ, and Spirit, though in flesh concealed.
O how can we thank thee for the light conferred
By Saint James, thy servant, in his faithful word.
Like these two apostles, faithful unto death,
May we love and serve thee till our latest breath.
Make us, dear Redeemer, more and more like thee,
Be the Way to lead us over life's broad sea;
Be the Truth to light us to our home on high;
Be the Life within us that can never die.
William Edgar Enman, 1908; alt.
Tune: URSWICKE (11.11.11.11.)
George Job Elvey, 1881
The final stanza incorporates the "Way and the Truth and the Life" language from John 14:6-14, one of the passages where Philip is prominent.
Unfortunately, George Elvey (1816-1893) is only known today for two familiar tunes: DIADEMATA and ST. GEORGE'S WINDSOR but he wrote many more, as well as many anthems and chants for the church.
Four Years Ago: Saint Philip and Saint James
Seven Years Ago: Saint Philip and Saint James
Another Sunday after Epiphany, another light-themed hymn (there are plenty of them to choose from). I know that there are some readers out there who are ready for Lent to begin but it will be here soon enough. Last year it had already started on February 6, so we have a bit of a reprieve.
Bringer of light -- in thee, both sun and shadow --
Giver of every good and perfect gift!
With one accord we seek thy holy presence,
Gladly our hearts to thee in praise we lift.
Glad for the cause that binds our lives together,
Through thee united, worshiping as one;
Glad for the shining gifts that thou hast given,
Grateful for glorious works in us begun.
Thou art the Christ! To thee we own allegiance.
May our devotion sweep from sea to sea,
Even as we, all gifts from thee receiving,
Joyfully minister those gifts for thee.
Light of the world, through whom we know the Maker!
Pour out upon us thine abiding love,
That we may know its depth and height and splendor,
That heaven may come to earth from heaven above.
Elizabeth Wilson and Helen Thoburn, 1913
Tune: WELWYN (11.10.11.10)
Alfred Scott-Gatty, 1902
Writers Wilson and Thoburn seem not to be well-known. I hope, though, that someone at least considered their hymn for Voices Found.
The "dean of Canadian composers," Healey Willan (October 12, 1880 - February 16, 1968) was born in England and moved to Canada in 1913 to become head of the theory departent at the Toronto Conservatory of Music. In 1922 he started a long career as director of music at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Though he wrote two symphonies, an opera, a piano concerto, solo piano works and at least a hundred songs, more than half of his 800 compositions were sacred choral works, most written for the choir at the church.
His anthems and service music were extremely popular and influenced many later composers in Canada, England, and the US. His conducting and leadership of the choirs at St. Mary Magdalene was no less influential. His high standards helped to revitalize church music throughtout North America, as many people came to hear his choirs and went back to their churches with ideas. He was the recipient of many honors, and one of his anthems (O Lord, our Governor) was written for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Willan's copyrights are closely guarded by his heirs, so none of his several hymn tunes are available for us to hear here. (My own favorite is ST. OSMUND, written for Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor, which appears on two CD complilations of Willan's church music.) There are a few performances of Willan's works posted at YouTube, including the anthem How they so softly rest.
