Holy God, we show forth here

Today is Maundy Thursday - the day when the Church commemorates the Last Supper, and the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

There are many "Communion Hymns" that can be used at the Mass on this day, this one, is a glorious marriage of text and tune.

The music was composed by Richard Wagner (1813-1883). The tune is named "Meistersinger."

The text is by Dearmer, Percy, M.A., son of Thomas Dearmer, was born in London, Feb. 27, 1867, and educated at Westminster School and at Christ Church, Oxford (B.A. 1890, M.A. 1896). He was ordained D. 1891, P. 1892, and has been since 1901 Vicar of S. Mary the Virgin, Primrose Hill, London. He has been Secretary of the London Branch of the Christian Social Union since 1891, and is the author of The Parson's Handbook, 1st edition, 1899, and other works. He was one of the compilers of the English Hymnal, 1906, acting as Secretary and Editor, and contributed to it ten translations.

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Richard Wagner, and two of Percy Dearmer.

The "first phrase" is played as the introduction, and the text is as follows:

Holy God, we show forth here
Jesus' death our sins to clear,
Jesus' life our life to be,
Jesus' love the world to free.
Stay the faithful, win the strayed,
Bless the living and the dead.
Father lead us,
Saviour feed us,
Spirit be our store,
Now and evermore.


Lord, unite us every one
Each to other, through thy Son;
Join us truly heart to heart,
Let us ne'er be drawn apart:
All one bread, one body we,
Bound by love to all and thee.
Blessèd Master,
Bind us faster;
In thy love divine,
Love we thee and thine!