The words to this uplifting hymn were written by Edward H. Plumptre in 1865, for the annual Choir Festival at Peterborough Cathedral in England. Plumptre was well-known as a scholar, theologian, and preacher. He served as chaplain and professor of pastoral theology at his alma mater, King’s College.
The Choir Festival involved more than a dozen choirs from congregations throughout the area. The majestic Peterborough Cathedral, built in the twelfth century, made an excellent setting for such an occasion. In preparing for the festival, Plumptre needed to write a hymn that would serve as a stately processional to give all the choirs time to walk down the aisle and take their place at the front. Hymnologist William Reynolds said that it “was not unusual for a cathedral processional to take from ten to thirty minutes, and the hymn that was sung by both the choir and the congregation needed to have enough stanzas for this.” Plumptre’s original hymn had twelve stanzas to accomplish this, but most hymnals today include only four or five of the stanzas.
“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” is a message of joyful thanksgiving to God. It inspires believers of all ages to rejoice in the purity of heart that comes from a relationship with Christ. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart (Psalm 32:11). When the congregation sings this, Christians are admonishing one another to lift their voices in praise and worship.
The music for this hymn reflects the spirit of a stately yet simple processional. The tune “Marion” was written by Arthur Messiter. The refrain, “Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing,” echoes Paul’s thoughts in his letter to the Philippians: Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4). Paul was in prison as he wrote his letter to the Philippians, expressing joy despite his circumstances.
In the first stanza, the original word “orient” was replaced with “festal” (meaning festive), and later the word “glorious” was used. “Orient banners” were perhaps the tall banners carried ahead of each choir to identify them. Editors probably wanted to eliminate any connection between the hymn and choir festivals. The Christian’s banner is the cross of Christ; it represents the message of salvation through Christ Jesus: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).
What an inspiring experience it was as the singers of every choir processed down the aisles of the cathedral, singing praise to God along with the congregation “With voice as full and strong as ocean’s surging praise.” Believers are admonished at the end of the last stanza to “Praise him who reigns on high, the Lord whom we adore; The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, One God forevermore.” Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright (Psalm 33:1).
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
Your orient banners wave on high,
The cross of Christ your King.
Raise high your free, exulting song,
God's wondrous praise to speak.
With hymn, and psalm, and song,
Through gate, and porch, and columned aisle
The hallowed pathways throng.
With all the saints on earth,
Pour out the strains of joy and bliss,
True rapture, noblest mirth.
And Hallelujahs loud,
Whilst answ’ring echoes upward float,
Like wreaths of incense cloud.
As ocean's surging praise,
Send forth the hymns our fathers loved,
The psalms of ancient days.
Still singing as ye go,
From youth to age, by night and day,
In gladness and in woe.
Still march in firm array;
As warriors through the darkness toil
Till dawns the golden day.
The wearied ones shall rest;
The pilgrims find their Father’s home,
Jerusalem the blest.
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing:
Your orient banner wave on high,
The cross of Christ your King.
The Lord whom we adore;
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
One God for evermore.
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