Excerpts from The Passion of Christ, by Arthur Somervell (1863-1937)

You are invited to reflect upon the last words of Christ through the musical offerings of Central UMC's chancel choir. This Anglican Passion has been described as "a forgotten masterpiece,' and we are pleased to offer the following excerpts from the work: the introduction, "O Savior of the World"; the choral meditations and hymns from the "Seven Last Words" portion of the Passion; and the final movement - an original hymn - Praise to the Holiest in the Height. I recommend finding time to listen to our recording on Good Friday, following along with the words.
Excerpts from The Passion of Christ, by Arthur Somervell (1863-1937)
Prelude
Choral introduction
O Savior of the World
O Savior of the world, who by thy cross and precious blood hast redeemed us,
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech thee. Amen.
THE FIRST WORD
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Hymn
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous Cross,
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature of mine,
That were an off’ring far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my life, my soul, my all.
THE SECOND WORD
“Verily I say unto thee, this day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Choral meditation
O Blessed Promise
O blessed promise made, my soul to Thee
By Him that lives and died to make thee free.
Lord Jesus, while I still remain on earth,
Fulfill Thy promise, give my soul new birth.
Open my heart to Thee, unseal mine eyes,
So shall I be with Thee in Paradise.
THE THIRD WORD
“Woman, behold thy Son.”And to John he said, “Here is your mother.”
Choral Meditation
Upon the Cross Upheld
Upon the Cross upheld, behold the Love,
That even in death can feel another’s ill.
Nor can He now forget
That reigns above His Father’s throne.
But calls us all His brethren,
And alone He leaves us not, but sends His Spirit still. Amen.
THE FOURTH WORD
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”
That is to say, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
Hymn
The Worst of Terrors We Can Feel
The worst of terrors we can feel,
Our Savior suffered too.
The poignant fear when clouds conceal
The Father from our view.
Doubt not, my Soul, His spoken word,
Though sore thy spirit ache.
For firm and sure His promise stands,
He ne’er will thee forsake.
THE FIFTH WORD
“I thirst.”
Choral Meditation
Had’st Thou Been There
Hadst thou been there when Jesus died,
Wouldst thou have dared to slake his thirst?
To face the priests and stand beside
The feet of Him the people cursed?
Lord Jesus, grant Thy Grace to me,
That I may thirst continually,
Until Thy living waters start
A well of life within my heart.
THE SIXTH WORD
“It is finished.“
Choral Meditation
And Is This All?
And is this all? this lonely life?
This fearful death upon the cross?
Is this the lesson Thou would’st teach,
That we to gain must suffer loss?
Look up, my soul, with eyes of faith,
And learn God’s all enduring plan.
This life, this Death, have made at one
The man in God, the God in man.
THE SEVENTH WORD
“Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit.”
Choral Meditation
Into the Father’s Ever Willing Hand
Into the Father’s ever willing hand
His spirit Jesus gladly doth commend.
And ever are those blessed hands stretched forth
His sad and suff’ring children to befriend.
And, Father, when at length the end shall come,
O stretch, O stretch them out once more and bear us home.
Hymn
Praise to the Holiest in the Height
Praise to the Holiest in the height,
And in the depths be praise;
In all His words most wonderful,
Most sure in all His ways.
O wisest love! that flesh and blood
Which did in Adam fail
Should strive afresh against the foe,
Should strive and should prevail!
And in the garden secretly,
And on the Cross on high,
Should teach His brethren, and inspire
To suffer and to die.
Praise to the Holiest in the height,
And in the depths be praise;
In all His words most wonderful,
Most sure in all His ways.
Amen.
CCLI License 3153549
Streaming License CSPL094345

[@jamesreed7671]

Enjoyed the organ preludium, but I'm afraid when I heard the total disaster the tenor made of the first few measures of the opening, I didn't bother listening to the rest!

[@centralinspartanburg]

Thanks for listening to some of the recording. It may not be perfect, but we are grateful for the choir giving us this gift in a time when Covid prevented congregational singing.