Blessed City, Heavenly Salem (1914) - Edward Bairstow (1874-1946)

Harvard University Choir
Edward Elwyn Jones, conductor
David von Behren, organ

from November 12, 2023 Service
Harvard Memorial Church
Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Blessed city, heavenly Salem,
Vision dear of peace and love,
Who of living stones art builded
In the height of heaven above,
And by angel hands appareled,
As a bride doth earthward move.

Out of heaven from God descending,
New and ready to be wed
To thy Lord, whose love espoused thee,
Fair adorned shalt thou be led;
All thy gates and all thy bulwarks
Of pure gold are fashioned.

Bright thy gates of pearl are shining,
They are open evermore;
And, their well-earned rest attaining,
Thither faithful souls do soar,
Who for Christ's dear name in this world
Pain and tribulation bore.

Many a blow and biting sculpture
Polished well those stones elect,
In their places now compacted,
By the heavenly architect.
Nevermore to leave the temple,
Which with them the Lord hath decked.

To this temple where we call thee,
Come, O Lord of hosts, today;
With thy wonted loving kindness,
Hear thy servants as they pray;
And thy fullest benediction
Shed within its walls alway. Amen.

Anonymous Latin 7th cent., English translation John Mason Neale (1818-1866)