Walking in a Garden

In our modern way of thinking, Holy Saturday has become nothing more than a preparation for Easter Day.

Whether it's through the long liturgy of the Great Vigil of Easter, or just doing personal things to "get ready," we tend to lose focus on the sad points of the day.

The time BEFORE the Resurrection...

This "hymn," was is based upon a traditional Irish melody, will call to mind the sadness, but does end with the promise of joy, as "eternal Spring" has come!

The text is by Hilary Peter Frank Greenwood (1929-2003) was a British theologian and known as the writer of the hymn, 'Walking in a Garden,' and was written for Greenwood's nephews.

The traditional Irish melody, is harmonized by Arthur Hutchings (1906-1989). He was an English musicologist, composer, and professor of music at the University of Durham. Professor Hutchings served for many years as a Director of the English Hymnal Company and a number of his tunes were included in the 1986 "New English Hymnal."

It deals with three "gardens of significance" - the garden of Eden, the garden of Gethsemane, and the garden of the Resurrection.

This piece would actually work well at an Advent Carol service, as it begins by dealing with Adam and the fall of man.

I've played this in a simple manner, intending to simulate the first verse by sung a cappella by a solo treble voice.

Walking in a garden
At the close of day,
Adam tried to hide him
When he heard God say:
'Why are you so frightened,
Why are you afraid?
You have brought the winter in,
Made the flowers fade.'

Walking in a garden
Where the Lord had gone,
Three of the disciples,
Peter, James, and John;
They were very weary,
Could not stay awake,
While the Lord was kneeling there,
Praying for their sake.

Walking in a garden
At the break of day,
Mary asked the gardener
Where the body lay;
But he turned toward her,
Smiled at her and said:
'Mary, spring is here to stay,
Only death is dead.'