HYMN #0329 A&M #329 • Ancient & Modern Meter: 8 7 8 7 7 7 Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #329: Once in royal David's city

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Hymns Ancient & Modern

1

The Head that once was crown'd
with thorns,
Is crown'd with glory now :
A royal diadem adorns

2

The mighty Victor's Brow.
The highest place that Heav'n affords
Is His, is His by right.
The King of king-, and T,»rd of lords.

3

And Heav'n's eternal Light.
The Jov of all who dwell above,
The Joy of all below.
To whom He manifests His love,

4

And grants His Name to know.
GENERAL HYMNS.
To them the Cross/with all its shame,
With all its crace. is given :

5

Their name an everlasting name,
Their joy the joy of Heav'n.
P They suffer with their Lord below,
They reign with Him above ;

6

in/ Their profit and their joy to know
The mystery of His love.
The Cross He bore is life and health,
Though shame and death to Him ;
His people's hope. His people"; wealth,
Their everlasting theme.

6

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Once in royal David's city"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #329 in the venerable Hymns Ancient & Modern (1889 Standard Edition). Originally compiled under the guidance of the Rev. Sir Henry Williams Baker and a committee of dedicated church musicians, this hymnal harmonized historic Latin, Greek, and German hymnody with classical English psalmody.

It has served as a primary liturgical hymnal for the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican and Episcopal communion for generations, renowned for its doctrinal clarity and reverent choral tradition.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 7 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: 8 7 8 7 7 7
Stanza Structure: 7 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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