156 Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart
Edward H. Plumptre, 1821-91
A popular processional hymn written for that purpose in May, 1865, for a choir festival in Peterborough Cathedral, one of the most important Norman churches now standing in England. It was published in the same year in the author’s Lazarus, and Other Poems. The refrain has been added.
For comments on Edward H. Plumptre see Hymn 95.
MUSIC. MARION was written in 1883 for this hymn. The tune is admirably adapted to the words and the combination has made this one of the choicest of processional hymns. It is also effective for antiphonal singing.
Arthur Henry Messiter, 1834-1916, born in Somersetshire, England, began the serious study of music at the age of 17. Coming to America in 1863, he sang for a time in the volunteer choir of Trinity Church, New York City. Three years later this famous church appointed him their director of music and organist, a position he held with distinction for 31 years. He is the author of several notable books on music and editor of Episcopal Hymnal of 1893.