O Perfect Love, a Wedding Hymn
Sacred Wedding Song by Dorothy Gurney, Composed by Joseph Barnby
The wedding hymn "O Perfect Love" was written in 1883 by an English writer, Dorothy B. Gurney, who wrote only this one hymn text throughout her lifetime. She wrote this for her older sister's wedding.
Gurney stated that writing this hymn was no effort after the initial idea came to her from the two-fold aspect of perfect union – love and life – and that she always felt God helped her write it. The text first appeared in the Anglican Church hymnal, Hymns Ancient and Modern, Supplement, published in 1889.
The Sacred Song 'O Perfect Love'
Dorothy Gurney was visiting her soon-to-be married sister in the lovely, English Lake region of Windermere, the land of William Wordsworth, when her sister complained that for her forthcoming wedding, she could not find appropriate words for one of her favorite hymn tunes "Strength and Stay" by John B. Dykes.
Apparently, her sister challenged her in a way that since she writes poetry, she can write new words to the same tune of "Strength and Stay." Gurney went to the library and in about 15 minutes came back with the text, "O Perfect Love." Her sister was pleased and asked it to be sung on her wedding. Since then, it has been sung in many London weddings, and eventually, found its way into the hymnals.
Text Writer Dorothy B. Gurney
Dorothy Frances Blomfield Gurney (1858-1932) was born on October 4, 1858, in London England. She grew up in a devout Anglican Church parsonage. Her father, Rev. Frederick G. Blomfield, was rector of a London parish, while her grandfather had been a distinguished bishop of London. She displayed literary gifts early on. She wrote two volumes of verse as well as a devotional work title A Little Book of Quiet. One of her best known poems is "God's Garden." Dorothy married Gerald Gurney, a former actor who became an ordained minister in the Anglican Church.
Composer Sir Joseph Barnby
Joseph Barnby (1839-1896), one of England's distinguished church musicians of the 19th century, composed the tune, known in hymnals as either "O Perfect Love" or "Sandringham." His church choirs in London were widely known for their excellence. He began the annual singing festivals of JS Bach's passion music at St. Ann's Soho Church. He wrote some 246 hymn tunes, composed an oratorio and numerous liturgical anthems.
He was knighted by the Queen of England for his numerous musical contributions. Barnby composed a special anthem based on Dorothy Gurney's text for the marriage ceremony of the Duke and Duchess of Fife. The present hymn tune is an adaptation from that anthem.
Words of "O Perfect Love"
1. "O perfect Love, all human thought transcending,
Lowly we kneel in prayer before Thy throne,
That theirs may be the love which knows no ending,
Whom thou forevermore dost join in one.
2. O perfect Life, be Thou their full assurance
Of tender charity and steadfast faith,
Of patient hope, and quiet, brave endurance,
With childlike trust that fears nor pain nor death."
Words and Music:
Source:
101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, Michigan, 1985
O Perfect Love
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