Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Words: Edward H. Plumptre, 1865. This hymn was written for the Peterborough Choral Festival in May of that year, and was first sung in Peterborough Cathedral.
Music: Marion Arthur H. Messiter, 1883 (🔊 pdf nwc). First published in the Hymnal with Music as Used in Trinity Church (New York: 1893).
Alternate Tunes:
Rejoice ye pure in heart;
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
Your glorious banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your king.
Refrain
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice,
Give thanks and sing.
Bright youth and snow crowned age,
Strong men and maidens meek,
Raise high your free, exultant song,
God’s wondrous praises speak.
Refrain
Yes onward, onward still
With hymn, and chant and song,
Through gate, and porch and columned aisle,
The hallowed pathways throng.
Refrain
With all the angel choirs,
With all the saints of earth,
Pour out the strains of joy and bliss,
True rapture, noblest mirth.
Refrain
Your clear hosannas raise;
And alleluias loud;
Whilst answering echoes upward float,
Like wreaths of incense cloud.
Refrain
With voice as full and strong
As ocean’s surging praise,
Send forth the hymns our fathers loved,
The psalms of ancient days.
Refrain
Yes, on through life’s long path,
Still chanting as ye go;
From youth to age, by night and day,
In gladness and in woe.
Refrain
Still lift your standard high,
Still march in firm array,
As warriors through the darkness toil,
Till dawns the golden day.
Refrain
At last the march shall end;
The wearied ones shall rest;
The pilgrims find their heavenly home,
Jerusalem the blessed.
Refrain
Then on, ye pure in heart!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing!
Your glorious banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your king.
Refrain
Praise Him who reigns on high,
The Lord whom we adore,
The Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
One God forevermore.
Refrain