282. Unto Thy temple, Lord, we come
Robert Collyer, 1823-1912
A hymn describing the church as the home of “rich and poor, bond and free, great and small.” It is suitable for the general worship service and especially for the dedication of a church.
Information concerning the author, Robert Collyer, has not been traced. Julian’s Dictionary notes a William Collyer, 1782-1854, eminent English evangelical preacher who was ordained for a small church of ten communicant members. He is described as a man of “amiable disposition, polished manners, Christian courtesy, and popular with rich and poor alike; who labored in the church with great success and honor until his death.” He wrote numerous hymns. Was our hymn written by a son brought up with his father’s noble conception of the church?
MUSIC. MENDON. For comments on this tune see [Hymn 211].