Lord’s Day, Vol. 9 No. 8

For All the Saints – Hymn Story

“For All the Saints” is one of the lengthiest and most popular works of William Walsham How (1823-1897). Dr Charles S. Robinson, in Annotations Upon Popular Hymns, described this hymn as having been “praised by the best critics, accepted by the highest authorities, and introduced in nearly all compilations over the world.”

“For all the Saints” is a skilful blend of the past, present and future. The original title read, “For All Thy Saints” with reference to Hebrews 12:1. The hymn was first published in Hymns for Saints’ Days, and Other Hymns, 1864.

“For All the Saints” was written in eleven three-line stanzas, each stanza ending with “Alleluia! Alleluia!” Eventually, three stanzas were removed and published as a separate hymn and the remaining stanzas were used in varying numbers and arrangements.

It is to be noted that “For All the Saints” is somewhat in the vein of prayer. It addresses the Lord Jesus Christ as our Rock, our Fortress, our Might, our Captain, our Lord, and the King of Glory, and it expresses hope that all soldiers of the Cross shall “earnestly contend for the faith,” even as did the saints of old. 

The hymn does not minimize the ferocity, the length, and the noise of the battle. Rather, it sees these elements as overpowered by eventual and eternal victory in Christ Jesus. The hymn closes with a picture of “a countless host” streaming through “gates of pearl and singing praise to Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”

A number of hymnologists pointed out that the emphasis of this hymn is faith. They regard line 2 – “Who Thee by faith before the world confessed” – as being the most important line in the hymn, with all other lines “serving as background and scenery.”

William Walsham How, who wrote this hymn in 1864, authored a total of fifty-four hymns. Among these are “Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love,” “O Word of God Incarnate,” “O Jesus, Thou Art Standing,” and “We Give Thee But Thine Own.” Bishop How was known as “the children’s bishop” and “the poor man’s bishop” because of his legendary deeds of kindness in the poor districts of London. He thought so little of ecclesiastical attainment that he even neglected to tell his family when he received an offer to become bishop of Durham and refused it. Though not a brilliant intellect and somewhat liberal in his theology, How was a shining example of selfless service for the needy. He received an honourary Doctor of Divinity degree from the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1879, and a similar honour from Oxford University in 1886. He was born in Shrewbury, Shropshire, England, December 13, 1823, and died while on vacation in Ireland, on August 10, 1897.

The first tune for this hymn was SARUM (sometimes called ST. PHILIP or FOR ALL THE SAINTS), which was composed for this text in 1869 by Sir Joseph Barnby (1838-1896). Sir Joseph was highly regarded in musical circles and for many years served well as director of music at Eton College and principal of the Guildhall School of Music. Sir Joseph also served as musical editor of five hymnals. 

SARUM was popular in Britain, but in America Ralph Vanghan Williams’ SINE NOMINE (1906) became the favoured tune. Many hymnologists have pointed out that SARUM is less well suited rhythmically to the words than is SINE NOMINE. For instance, line 1 with SARUM would read “For all the saints who from …” Haeussier comments regarding SINE NOMINE, “The accents in the music coincide with those in the text and the melody and harmonization move forward with the strides of a victorious faith.” Actually, either tune fits quite well, but Vanghan Williams’ tune is definitely more majestic and exuberant.

Ralph Vanghan Williams (1872-1958) was born in Down Ampney, Gloucestershire, England, October 12, 1872. His formal training took place at Trinity College, Cambridge; Royal College of Music, London; and with well-known musicians such as Max Bruch and Maurice Ravel. Among Vanghan William’ accomplishments were his teaching at Royal College and his editing and coediting outstanding hymnals (such as the English

Hymnal, 1906, and the Oxford Book of Carols, 1928). An enthusiastic collector of folksongs, Vanghan Williams used these tunes in many of his major compositions, which ranged from simple hymns to major symphonies. He died in St. Marylebone, England, August 26, 1958. He is regarded as Britain’s greatest composer since Henry Purcell (1659-1695). [Extracted and edited from Treasury of Great Hymns and their stories by Guye Johnson]

1 For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever bless’d.
Alleluia, alleluia!

2 Thou wast their rock, their refuge, and their might,
thou, Christ, the hope that put their fears to flight;
’mid gloom and doubt, their true and shining light.
Alleluia, alleluia!

3 Oh, bless’d communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine,
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, alleluia!

4 The golden evening brightens in the west.
Soon, soon to faithful servants cometh rest.
Sweet is the calm of paradise the bless’d.
Alleluia, alleluia!

5 But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array,
as God to glory calls them all away.
Alleluia, alleluia!

6 From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
all praising Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia, alleluia!

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee