Not by far-famed deeds alone

Today, August 24th, is the Feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle.

Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He has been identified with Nathanael who appears in the Gospel according to John as being introduced to Christ by Philip (who would also become an apostle), although some modern commentators reject the identification of Nathanael with Bartholomew.

According to the Synaxarium of the Coptic Orthodox Church, his martyrdom is commemorated on the first day of the Coptic Calendar (i.e. the first day of the month of Thout), which currently falls on September 11 (corresponding to August 29 in the Julian Calendar). His feast is June 11 in Eastern Christianity and August 24 in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, Anglican Communion and both forms of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church.

The music for this hymn was composed by Gerald H. Knight (1908-1979). Knight was organist of St Augustine of Canterbury, Queen's Gate London (1931-1937), of
Canterbury Cathedral (1937-1953), and Director of the Royal School of Church Music (1954-1973). The name of this attractive tune, unknown to me, is "Valley."

It appears in "Hymns Ancient and Modern Revised," which was edited by Knight and John Dykes Bower, organist of St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

The text is by C. Henry Phillips (1883-1949), B.A., D.Mus., A.C.D.C.M. sometime Lecturer and Sub-Warden of the College of St. Nicholas, Chislehurst., which became the RSCM.

I've recorded two version of the hymn (presented back to back) - one, a smaller, more intimate service, and the second, a fuller version, as if to celebrate a patronal festival. I used the Armley Schultze for these recordings, not because I thought it was especially "qualified" for this hymn, but because the church where it sits is dedicated to St. Bartholomew.

The score is attached below, as well as two paintings of Saint Bartholomew, and a photo of Gerald H. Knight.

FULL TEXT of the hymn given in the First Comment.