An introit for 25 July. The second verse references the fact that James was one of only a handful of disciples who were chosen to witness to Christ’s Transfiguration, and his agony at Gethsemane (I couldn’t fit in a reference to the healing of Jairus’ daughter, another example!) The third verse recalls an ancient tradition recorded by Clement of Alexandria, that James’ accuser, moved by his testimony, became a Christian, and was beheaded together with James. The fourth verse is in honour of James’ long patronage of pilgrims, but acknowledges that pilgrimage is not only a physical act of going from one place to another, but the very journey of faith itself.
Alexander Crawford
Tune: Palace Green (NEH 447)
For Fr Kenneth Crawford and the people of the Parish of St James the Great, Darlington
Lift high your voices now for James,
Our blessèd martyr-Patron,
Whose martyr victory proclaims
Christ’s promise of salvation.
Let this great church with praises ring,
To honour Christ, our Lord and King,
With James, our blessèd Patron.
*Alternative first verse (and refrain) for churches not dedicated to St James*
Lift high your voices now for James,
That blessèd saint and martyr,
Whose martyr victory proclaims
The glory of the Father.
Let this great church with praises ring,
To honour Christ, our Lord and King,
[With] James, the blessèd martyr.
Called by the Christ at Galilee,
He found his true vocation.
Witness to Christ’s bright majesty
At his Transfiguration.
And at that dark Gethsemane,
Chosen to know Christ’s agony
Was James, our blessèd Patron.
Bound by the earthly law to die,
He earned a martyr’s glory;
And, earthly power to defy,
He told them Christ’s great story.
Then his accuser, hearing right,
Believed his words, and saw God’s light
In James, our blessèd Patron.
So faithful pilgrims through the years
Have sought his strong protection,
And wayward hearts, confused by fear,
Have found a new direction;
Strengthened to seek their glorious Lord,
Empowered by a prayerful word
From James, our blessèd Patron.
Lift, then, your voices high for James,
Whose life declares God’s splendour,
Join with the heav’nly song of praise
Of God, our great defender,
In whose sweet presence now we meet,
And clouds of witnesses we greet!
Sing James, our blessèd Patron.
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