Julia Bulkley Cady Cory
A notable hymn of praise written by Mrs. Julia Cady Cory, who was born and reared in what was reputed to be one of the happiest Christian homes in New York City. Her father, J. Cleveland Cady, was a nationally known architect. A devout Christian, he had a genuine love for boys and girls and was superintendent of the same Sunday school for fifty-two years. Concerning the origin of this hymn, Mrs. Cory has written:
Years before I was married (in 1902), the organist of the Brick Presbyterian Church of New York City, knowing of my interest in hymnology, came to me and told me that he had a very fine Netherlands melody associated with most militaristic and unchristian words. He lamented the fact, and requested me to write more suitable words, which could be used for the Thanksgiving service at the Brick Church. The hymn as you see it today, was the result.
MUSIC. KREMSER is named after Edward Kremser, 1838-1914, a Viennese musician who arranged the tune from a Netherlands melody dating to 1625. The composer is not known. It is a stirring piece of music, simple in style, and easy to sing. It is equally impressive, whether sung in measured, stately tones like a chorale, or in the gayer festive mood in which young people like to sing. Children and young people usually respond to this hymn with enthusiasm.
16. Praise the Lord: ye heavens adore Him
Foundling Hospital Collection
Stanza 3 by Edward Osler, 1798-1863
A free rendering of some lines of Psalm 148 in which all the hosts of heaven and earth join in a magnificent chorus of praise to God.
The first two stanzas are anonymous. They were first published in the Foundling Hospital Collection, a book of hymns and anthems compiled by Thomas Coram, an English seaman, merchant captain and philanthropist. In later life, Mr. Coram devoted his time and fortune to the support of a children’s hospital in which a chapel was also maintained and the children trained in singing.
Edward Osler, author of the third stanza, was an English surgeon and author of books on scientific as well as religious subjects. He was also a distinguished hymnologist and wrote a number of versions of the Psalms and hymns for use in the Church of England.