“Christ is our Cornerstone” is based on “Angularis fundamentum,” a dedication hymn of anonymous authorship, attributed here to the 8th century, but it may be of much earlier origin. [Hymn 277], “Christ is made the sure foundation,” is another rendering of the same Latin poem, by a different translator and into a different meter, and is there dated “6th or 7th century.”
John Chandler, the translator, was one of a group of Anglican clergymen belonging to what was known in England as the Oxford Group (not to be confused with the recent Oxford group movement headed by John Buchman). They were interested in restoring to the church a dignified service of worship. These Latin hymns contributed to this purpose. Chandler was a scholar as well as preacher, author of several books and many printed sermons and tracts, and was one of the first and best translators of Latin hymns. This, of course, is not a literal translation, for consideration had to be given to poetic and doctrinal fitness for modern use.
MUSIC. The tune DARWALL was composed by John Darwall, 1731-89, an Anglican clergyman and also an enthusiastic amateur musician. He composed a tune for each of the 150 metrical Psalms, each written in two parts only, treble and bass. DARWALL was set to Psalm 148. His tunes, for the most part, have not been published and have passed into oblivion.
10. Joyful, joyful we adore Thee
Henry van Dyke, 1852-1933
A nature hymn of the first order, written by one who himself had a profound appreciation and love of the out-of-doors. The words from beginning to end are an expression of the beauty in nature and the resulting joy and spirit of praise it brings to the worshipper. The hymn was written in 1907 while the author was on a preaching visit to Williams College; it was designated to be sung to the “Hymn to Joy” in the last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The words fit the music perfectly. It is one of the most joyful hymns in the English language.
Henry van Dyke was born in Germantown, Pa.; received his education in Princeton University and Theological Seminary; and began his work as pastor of the United Congregational Church in Newport, R. I. After four years he was called to the pulpit of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York where he became a widely known figure. In 1900 he was called to the chair of English Literature in Princeton. He was a friend of President Woodrow Wilson who appointed van Dyke as minister to the Netherlands and Luxemburg, which post he held from 1913 to 1917. He is the author of many books, including the beautiful story entitled, The Other Wise Man.
MUSIC. HYMN TO JOY is a hymn tune arrangement from the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, probably the greatest symphony ever penned, even though the composer was stone-deaf when he wrote it.
Ludwig von Beethoven was born at Bonn, Germany, in 1770 and died in Vienna in 1827. During his tempestuous life, he composed many compositions for piano, violin, orchestra, and string quartet. His nine symphonies are on the repertoire of all the great modern symphony orchestras.