Christ Is Our Corner-stone Non-US copyright
SATB, congregation, and organ. Text from a Latin hymn (in English). A beautifully and joyous piece. The congregational part is included in the ZIP file.
Notes: This anthem for choir and congregation was written in 2006 for the Dedication of the newly restored tower at Westbury-on-Trym Parish Church in Bristol. Its joyful nature and the chorus of ‘Alleluia, Deo Gratias’ is an expression of relief that the scaffolding had finally come down! This piece could be used at the end of a service of Dedication or Thanksgiving with the congregation joining in the refrain. The tempo of the whole piece should be set by establishing a comfortable 2/2 of the chorus so it does not drag.
Christ is our Cornerstone,
On Him alone we build;
With His true saints alone
The courts of heaven are filled;
On His great love our hopes we place
Of present grace and joys above.
Aleluia! Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God!
O then with hymns of praise
These hallowed courts shall ring;
Our voices we will raise
The Three in One to sing;
And thus proclaim in joyful song
Both loud and long, that glorious Name.
Here, gracious God, do Thou
Forevermore draw nigh;
Accept each faithful vow,
And mark each suppliant sigh;
In copious shower on all who pray,
Each holy day, Thy blessings pour.
Here may we gain from Heav’n,
The grace which we implore;
And may that grace, once given,
Be with us evermore;
Until that day when all the blest
to endless rest are called away.