As we gather this Sunday evening for worship one of the songs that we will sing is The Doxology, a hymn over three hundred years old.  First published in 1709, it was written by Anglican Bishop Thomas Ken in 1674. This was a time in the history of the established church in which it was not uncommon to hold that only Scripture should be sung as hymns.  In fact, it was even considered sinful by some to create new church music as it was accounted similar to adding to the Scriptures.

Ken, one of the fathers of modern English hymnology, was connected with Winchester College in England and originally wrote several hymns (including what we now know as The Doxology) for the boys of Winchester College.  He was careful to give strict instruction that the hymns be used only in their rooms for private devotions.  Ironic as it is, it is now possibly the most commonly used piece of music in public worship consistently finding its way into worship services for the last three centuries.

As a church we seek to take old hymns and make them new.  We will also seek to create our own as we reflect the fact that we are created in God’s image and as image bearers of God, we ourselves are creative. As we do so, we desire only to bring glory to God.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise Him all creatures here below.

Praise Him above the heavenly host.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.