One of the topics I’m most looking forward to blogging on is the Episcopal Wedding Liturgy. It is no small comfort, in the face of endless choice and direction towards “my” wedding, to say, “No, I am not interested in customizing the ceremony. We’re doing it by the book.” Well, books… and those would be the 19832 Hymnal and the Book of Common Prayer. 

The Prayer Book is largely silent on service music though, and I’ve begun to think about what I would like the congregation to sing. One I know for sure is, Come Away to the Skies.

The text was written by Charles Wesley, a leader of the Methodist movement in the 18th century. In the course of his career, Wesley published the words of over five and a half thousand hymns. The words strongly allude to the Song of Solomon, and were written on the occasion of Wesley’s wife’s 29th birthday in 1755.

The tune we sing it to is called Middlebury, taken from the shape note hymn and tune book Southern Harmony compiled by William Walker in 1835.

Come away to the skies,
my beloved, arise
and rejoice in the day thou wast born;
on this festival day,
come exulting away,
and with singing to Zion return.

Now with singing and praise,
let us spend our days,
by our heav’nly Father bestowed,
while his grace we receive
from his bounty, and live
to the glory of God.

For the glory we were
first created to share,
both the nature and kingdom divine!
Now created again
that our lives may remain
throughout time and eternity thine.

We with thanks approve
the design of that love
which hath joined us to Jesus’ Name;
so united in heart,
let us nevermore part,
till we meet at the feast of the Lamb.