Built on the Rock (KIRKEN DEN ER ET GAMMELT HUS)
$25.00
This rousing arrangement of the traditional Danish hymn “Kirken Den Er Gammelt Hus” is the perfect anthem for church dedications or other services that celebrate the life of the church. The words remind us that the church is not only a physical building but also a temple where He resides within our hearts.
Anthem for SATB choir and organ/piano. Purchase price allows you to make as many copies as you need for your choir.
text: Nicolai Grundtvig, 1837
translation: Carl Doving, 1909
arrangement by Greg Scheer
copyright 1996
Built on the Rock the Church doth stand,
Even when steeples are falling;
Crumbled have spires in every land,
Bells still are chiming and calling;
Calling the young and old to rest,
But above all the soul distressed,
Longing for rest everlasting.
Surely in temples made with hands,
God, the Most High, is not dwelling;
High above earth His temple stands,
All earthly temples excelling;
Yet He whom heavens cannot contain
Chose to abide on earth with men,
Built in our bodies His temple.
We are God’s house of living stone,
Builded for His habitation;
He through baptismal grace us owns,
Heirs of His wondrous salvation;
Were we but two His name to tell,
Yet He would deign with us to dwell,
With all His grace and His favor.
Now we may gather with our King;
Even in the lowliest dwelling:
Praises to Him we there may bring,
His wondrous mercy forthtelling;
Jesus his grace to us accord,
Spirit and life are all His words,
His truth doth hallow the temple.
Still we our earthly temples rear,
That we may herald His praises;
They are the homes where He draws near
And little children embraces,
Beautiful things in them are said,
God there with us His covenant made,
Making us heirs of His Kingdom.
Built on the Rock the Church doth stand,
Even when steeples are falling.
