Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#635

635. Glory Be to the Father

Glory be to the Father
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost,
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Glory be to the Father
• Title: Glory Be to the Father
• Meter: PM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Topic: Doxologies; Songs for Children: Hymns; Trinity
• Source: Gloria Patri, the Lesser Doxology, 2nd cent

Tune Information

• Name: MEINEKE
• Composer: Charles Meineke (1844)
• Meter: PM
• Key: G Major

Text Information:

This Gloria Patri text is usually known as the "Lesser Doxology" (what is known as the "Greater Doxology" begins "Gloria in excelsis Deo"; see 247). It is a liturgical text common to most Christian traditions and is often appended to the singing of Old Testament psalms or New Testament canticles. The traditional version of this text is found here, while a more modern translation occurs at 636.

The initial part of the Gloria Patri may be traced back to the Trinitarian baptismal formula recorded in Matthew 28:19; it was probably used by early Christians as an acclamation. The second part, which begins "as it was in the beginning," was added in the fourth century as a response to the Arian heresy. Thus the text reflects the orthodox insistence on the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father and the eternal unity and equality of the three persons in the Trinity.

Liturgical Use:
Traditionally used at the end of Old Testament psalms and New Testament canticles and at the conclusion of certain prayers or creedal statements; a general doxology.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

Charles (Christoph) Meineke (b. Oldenburg, Germany, 1782; d. Baltimore, MD, 1850) emigrated from Germany to England in 1810, then came to the United States in 1820. He composed the MEINEKE chant for an "Evening Prayer" to be used at St. Paul Episcopal Church, Baltimore, where Meineke was organist. The tune was published in his collection of psalm and hymn tunes and service music for St. Paul's congregation, Music for the Church (1844).

Otherwise quite serviceable, MEINEKE is marred by one mismatched textual and musical phrase--the rhythms and melodic contour for "and to the Son" do not work well for those words. In spite of this obvious fault "Glory Be to the Father" is hallowed by tradition. Sing in harmony with conviction and with appropriate rhythmic vigor.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook