Holy, Holy, Holy
1826
Words: Reginald Heber
1783-1826
Music: John Bachus Dykes 1823-1876
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty who was,
and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8
Reginald Heber was born near Cheshire, England in 1783. His parents were
well educated and had lots of money. At age 17 he entered Oxford
University and impressed the faculty with his scholarship. Heber was
ordained to the ministry of the Anglican Church and placed to serve for
16 years at a very small parish in the western village of Hodnet. He
loved this area because the climate and weather was good for his weak
body and he had time to write.
“Holy, Holy, Holy” was written for Trinity Sunday, eight weeks after
Easter. The point was to emphasize and affirm the doctrine of the triune
Godhead. This very popular hymn was published after his death along with
others, which had been stored in a trunk. The outstanding composer John
B. Dykes was called to a meeting to write
suitable
music. After a short stay he wrote the music and named the tune,
“Nicaea” in honor of the Council of Nicaea held in Asia Minor in 325
A.D. At that council the doctrine of the Trinity was determined to be
essential to the faith.
Heber died from heat stroke at age 43 while serving in India. He left us
57 hymns. The one before us is his greatest and that must be why it is
placed as the first or second hymn in many hymnals.
Prayer Focus: Early in the morning let our song rise to Thee.