Page 20 - The Wondrous Cross - CD Booklet

12. We love the place, O God
Our final hymn is by William Bullock (1797–1874). He was born in England
but spent much of his life as an Anglican rector in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He did
not write many hymns but this one is special as it takes us through the different
aspects of Church which make it important. It was revised by Henry W. Baker
(1821–1877) who was editor of Hymns Ancient and Modern.

It is most often sung to the tune ‘Quam Dilecta’ by Henry L. Jenner. I wrote
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the hymn tune for the 50 Anniversary of the re-building of St. Mark’s church,
Wimbledon and it was performed there in June 2019. It is very appropriate for a
church anniversary as it reflects on why we meet together as believers.

The tune is reflective in nature with a simply chorale followed by a more up-
tempo verse. This is repeated. We come to the verse where we acknowledge the
importance of singing in church. The rhythmic nature of this verse allows the
choir to express just that! The climax is reached with the reminder we will be one
day singing together with countless others in the heavenly choir!

We return to the reflective nature of the hymn. Our final words ‘in heaven to see
your face and with your saints adore’, sung here in quiet praise and joy, brings to
a fitting close our brief journey through hymns old and new.