The musicians of St John’s Episcopal Church, Dallas, music ministry strive to glorify the Triune God as revealed in Holy Scripture, so that His people might be edified through music. With nearly 70 years’ tradition of sacred music, St John’s music ministry continues to learn, promote, and offer the highest quality liturgical and sacred music. Concerts and other special events are musical features of this music ministry. If you wish to participate through playing an instrument or singing, contact Benjamin Kolodziej, Organist and Choirmaster (bkolodziej@stjohnsepiscopal.org).
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”
This quintessential Advent text comes from the pen of Charles Wesley (1707-1788), co-founder of Methodist with his brother John. Much like Luther, neither of the Wesleys intended to found a denomination. As ordained Anglican priests, they noted the lack of deep spirituality characteristic of many priests and congregants. John in particular traced his “conversion” to […]
Continue readingMagnificat
The Magnificat is simply the Latin term for Mary’s song of praise as found in Luke 1: 46-55 as she joyfully responds to the message that she will bear the Son of God. The Latin phrase “magnificat anima meum” is translated “my soul magnifies the Lord.” Remember, Latin was the official ecclesiastical language of all Western Christendom […]
Continue readingHark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding
Some hymnologists trace this hymn text back to St Ambrose, one of the original four “doctors” of the church. Although Ambrose of Milan lived in the fourth century, and there is little evidence that this text goes so far back, it is at least from the tenth century. Originally written in Latin, as were all […]
Continue readingComfort, Comfort, Ye My People
This hymn heralds Adventide just as John the Baptist heralded the coming Christ. Taken nearly verbatim from Isaiah 40: 1-5, this text urges us to “prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.” Let us speak first of the tune. This writer of must maintain strict anonymity […]
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