For all the Saints

WELCOME BACK, Concert Hall!!! :-)

This is perhaps the greatest of all the "All Saints Day" (November 1st).

When Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) wrote this great tune, "Sine Nomine", it literally took the church by storm. It has retained its popularity in virtually all denominations. Although there are some who would remove this because it is too "militant"...

The splendid text is by Bishop William Walsham How (1823-1897), a true Anglo Catholic churchman, and, by all accounts, a wonderful man.

For all the Saints who from their labours rest,
Who thee by faith before the world confest,
Thy name, O Jesu, be fore ever blest.
Alleluya!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain, in the well-fought fight;
Thou in the darkness drear their own true Light.
Alleluya!

O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
Fight as the Saints who nobly fought of old,
And win, with them, the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluya!

O blest communion! Fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluya!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluya!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest:
Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest.
Alleluya!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The Saints triumphant rise in bright array:
The King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluya!

From earth's wind bounds, from ocean's widest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluya!