All earthly scenes shall pass away,
In Thee to find the open gate
To deathless home and endless day.
Lawrence Tuttiett, son of a surgeon in the English Royal Navy, at first intended to follow his father into the medical profession, but, after studying at Christ’s Hospital and King’s College, London, he decided to become a minister. He was ordained in 1848 and devoted his life to the Episcopal Church, ministering in various parishes in England and Scotland. His publications include Hymns for Churchmen, 1854; Hymns for Children of the Church, 1862; and Gems of Thought on the Sunday Services, 1864. The present hymn appeared in the last-named publication.
Music. CANONBURY. For comments on this tune see [Hymn 296].
390. Almighty Lord, with one accord
Melancthon Woolsey Stryker, 1851-1929
“A College Hymn” was the title given this poem, first printed in The New York Evangelist, February 27, 1896. It was included in The College Hymnal, New York, the same year and in the Methodist Hymnal of 1905.
The author, Melancthon Woolsey Stryker, a prominent Presbyterian minister, was educated at Hamilton College, New York, and Auburn Theological Seminary. After serving churches in Auburn and Ithaca, New York; Holyoke, Mass.; and Chicago, Ill., he became president of his Alma Mater, Hamilton College. A student of hymnology, he compiled several hymnals and books of sacred songs.
The hymn is appropriately used for commencement programs at Christian colleges. On such occasions it is often sung to the familiar tune “Azmon” ([397]).