Blessed City, Heavenly Salem

Bairstow, Edward Cuthbert (1874–1946)

Voicing:
Mixed Choir → SSATB

Accompaniment:
Organ

Occasion:

Proper of Saints → The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (November 9)
Commons → Common of the Dedication of a Church → Outside the Church That Was Dedicated
Ritual Masses → For the Dedication of a Church and an Altar

Publication Information:
Banks Music Publication

Lyrics:

Blessed City, heavenly Salem, 
Vision dear of peace and love,
Who of living stones art builded
In the height of heaven above,
And by Angel hands appareled
As a bride doth earthward move.

Out of heaven from God descending,
New and ready to be wed
To thy Lord, Whose love espoused thee,
Fair adorned shalt thou be led;
All thy gates and all thy bulwarks
Of pure gold are fashioned.

Bright thy gates of pearl are shining,
They are open evermore;
And, their well earned rest attaining
Thither faithful souls do soar.
Who for Christ’s dear Name in this world
Pain and tribulation bore.

Many a blow and biting sculpture
Polished well those stones elect,
In their palaces now compacted,
By the heavenly architect
Nevermore to leave the Temple
Which with them the Lord hath decked.

To this Temple where we call Thee,
Come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
With Thy wonted loving kindness
Hear Thy servants as they pray;
And the fullest benediction
Shed with in its walls always. Amen

Submitted by: Anthony DiCello Added: Apr 7, 2022