The Hymnal 1982 ‎#518

518. Christ is made the sure foundation

1 Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord, and precious,
binding all the Church in one;
holy Zion's help for ever,
and her confidence alone.

2 All that dedicated city,
dearly loved of God on high,
in exultant jubilation
pours perpetual melody;
God the One in Three adoring
in glad hymns eternally.

3 To this temple, where we call thee,
come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
with thy wonted lovingkindness
hear thy servants as they pray,
and thy fullest benediction
shed within its walls alway.

4 Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
what they ask of thee to gain;
what they gain from thee, for ever
with the blessèd to retain,
and hereafter in thy glory
evermore with thee to reign.

Text Information

• First Line: Christ is made the sure foundation
• Translator: John Mason Neale, 1818-1866 (alt.)
• Meter: 87. 87. 87
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1985
• Topic: The Church
• Source: Latin, ca. 7th cent.; Tr.: Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861

Tune Information

• Name: WESTMINSTER ABBEY
• Composer: Henry Purcell, 1659-1695 (adapt.)
• Composer (desc.): James Gillespie, b. 1929
• Meter: 87. 87. 87
• Key: G Major
• Copyright: Descant by permission of Church Society, London.