The Church's One Foundation #525

This hymn is a perennial favorite of the church.  The history of the writing of this hymn is especially significant today as it was written on the occasion of extended turmoil within the Church of England (Anglican) in 1866 by Samuel Stone.  An Anglican leader by the name of Bishop Gray was in vehement opposition to writings he considered heretical by John Colenso.

It was during this crisis within the Church of England that Samuel Stone wrote a collection of hymns, Lyra Fidelium. (Lyra [or song] of the faithful). The collection contained 12 hymns based on the Apostle's Creed. This particular hymn was based on the Ninth Article of the Creed which reads, "The Holy Catholic (Universal) Church; the Communion of Saints:  He is the Head of This Body." It was Stone's conviction that the unity of the Church must rest solely with a recognition of the Lordship of Christ as its head and not on the views and interpretations of men.

Stone became widely known and appreciated as a prolific writer of hymns. In 1868 this hymn was used as part of the Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops.  This hymn is the only selection that survives in hymnals today.

In addition to his renown as a writer, he was also known as the poor man's pastor.  He spent a lot of time ministering to the poor and underprivileged population in East London. He was known as a man of spotless character and although he fought valiantly for the needy and remained a defender of the conservative faith that was being attacked in his hometown. He had a personal faith in the inspired Scriptures and stood up for those beliefs in words and actions.

Samuel Wesley was the composer of this music.  Samuel, the grandson of the great Charles Wesley, was recognized as one of the leading church musicians of his day. He received his Doctorate in Music from Oxford University when just 29. In addition to many original hymn tunes, he composed a large body of church service music. It was at the 1868 Lambeth Conference that the tune we use now, Aurelia, first appeared together.