JESUS CHRIST >> Life & Ministry
SDAH 149
Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby
In a manger for His bed;
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For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Once in Royal David’s City
Written by Cecil Frances Alexander to help children understand the Apostles’ Creed, this hymn brings the Christmas story close to home. It reminds us that Jesus came not only to be born in Bethlehem, but to be our Savior and example. Its opening solo and gradual choral build (as often arranged) reflects the unfolding beauty of the Incarnation. This carol invites us to consider the humility of Christ’s birth and the hope He brings to every believing heart.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Cecil Frances Alexander, née Humphreys (1818-1895; see SDAH 93), wrote this hymn based on the Apostles’ Creed in order to simplify it so that children could understand what they were reciting each Sunday. It appeared in her Hymns for Little Children of 1848 and amplifies article 3 of the creed, which, referring to the Lord Jesus Christ, says, “Which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.” The scripture on which it is based is Luke 2:7, which states how Mary goes to “the city of David, which is called Bethlehem” (verse 4), and “she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.”
IRBY was set first to these words in 1849 by Henry John Gauntlett in the pamphlet Christmas Carols, but as a melody only, with a simple piano accompaniment. He harmonized it in 1858 in Alexander’s Hymns for Little Children with the notable moving parts in the last two lines, and named the tune when it was included in Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1868. Lines 3 and 4 replicate the first two lines, but each of the four parts has an interesting part to sing. There are three places in England named Irby-Irby upon Humber, near Grimsby; Irby in the Marsh, near Skegness; and Irby in the Wirral, near Birkenhead-but it is not known if any of these were connected with the composer.
Henry J. Gauntlett was born in Wellington, Shropshire, on July 9, 1805. At the early age of 9 he was organist at Olney in Buckinghamshire, where his father was the vicar. From age 14 to 20 he was even the choirmaster; among other things he conducted The Messiah during this period. His profession was law, and he practiced this from 1826 till 1842, but at the same time he was church organist successively in two London churches. Then he was appointed organist to the king of Hanover and was able to devote all his time to music. He was awarded the degree of D.Mus. (Lambeth) by the archbishop of Canterbury in 1843, and had the privilege of being organist for the first performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah in Birmingham, conducted by the composer. He was very interested in psalmody and in Gregorian music, and compiled a book on each topic. He is credited with having composed about 10,000 hymn tunes as well as organ music, songs, and anthems. He died at Kensington, London, on February 21, 1876. Gauntlett also adapted tune SDAH 659, STUTTGART.
Stanza:
1 – Luke 2:7, 5
3 – Luke 2:51
5 – Matthew 24:30
Text
1
Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby
In a manger for His bed;
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.
2
He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Savior holy.
3
And through all His wondrous childhood
He would honor and obey,
Love and watch the lowly mother
In whose gentle arms He lay.
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as He.
4
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that Child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in heaven above;
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Luke 2:7, 5 (c) Luke 2:51 (e) Matt 24:30
Author
Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895)
Year Published
1848
Hymn Tune
IRBY
Metrical Number
8.7.8.7.7.7.
Composer
Henry J. Gauntlett (1805-1876)
Year Composed
1845
Theme
LIFE & MINISTRY OF JESUS
For Music Ministers
Discover thoughtfully selected choral, instrumental, and keyboard arrangements to help you plan meaningful music for worship, special programs, and other ministry occasions. Some of the links in this section are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you. Your support helps maintain this website and allows me to continue providing resources for music ministry.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by Mark Shepperd: This traditional American melody with 16th century text has been delightfully arranged for SATB choir and piano. Perfect for use during time of introspection and contemplation.
SATB choir (SATB). Sacred octavos. Capital University Choral Series. Sacred. Octavo. Beckenhorst Press #BP2042. Published by Beckenhorst Press (BP.BP2042). UPC: 748769020425. 6.75 x 10.25 inches. SKU: BP.BP2042
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by Richard Proulx: Scored for men’s voices (AATB) in 1971, this SATB designation for mixed voices loses none of the effectiveness of the original arrangement. “Jerusalem, My Happy Home” may be thought of as a partner piece to Proulx’s “Amazing Grace” from 1973 (G-6389), to which he later added a flute part. Both of these American folk hymn settings are characterized by canonic treatment of the melody and parallel open intervals in the men’s voices.
SATB choir, piano reduction – Early intermediate. Proulx Legacy Series. Tune Name: Land Of Rest. Sacred. Octavo. 8 pages. GIA Publications #G-9053. Published by GIA Publications (GI.G-9053). UPC: 785147905301. 6.75 x 10.25 inches. English. Text Source: F. B. P., 16th c. manuscript., alt. SKU: GI.G-9053
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by Alice Parker: Choral (SATB) SKU: HL.8765184 Hinshaw Sacred. Octavo. Hal Leonard #HMC595. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.8765184). UPC: 728215004414. 6.75 x 10.25 inches.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by James Hopkins: SATB choir, organ. SKU: EC.4942Composed by James F. Hopkins. 21st Century. Octavo. E.C. Schirmer Publishing #4942. Published by E.C. Schirmer Publishing (EC.4942). ISBN 600313449420. UPC: 600313449420. 6.75 x 10.25 inches. Text: F.B.P., 16th-Century.
Songs of Heaven (A collection of 5 hymns and spirituals for String Quartet) by Sharon Wilson String Quartet: These arrangements are straight-forward and suitable for late beginner to intermediate string groups since all notes for all instruments can be played in the first position. An optional repeat is provided for each song in case a longer selection is desired.
String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin – Level 2 – Digital Download. Christian, Folk, Sacred, Spiritual, Traditional. 44 pages. Sharon Wilson #1025815. Published by Sharon Wilson (A0.1445994). SKU: A0.1445994
Jerusalem My Happy Home (3-5 octaves) by Cathy Moklebust: Based on the early American tune “Land of Rest”, this lively and varied arrangement features themes of joy and happiness that are obvious in the introduction and first stanza, with the use of dancing, staccato rhythms. The second stanza is more flowing in style, and the third features a four-part round with flute, cello, optional handchimes, and the singing bell technique. The final stanza is full and glorious and includes a soaring flute descant. Voicing: 3, 4, 5 octaves handbells with optional 3 octaves handchimes, flute, violincello, and percussion.
Handbells – intermediate. SKU: CG.CGB632I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord. Composed by Early American Melody. Arranged by Cathy Moklebust. General, Holy Communion. With 3 octaves handchimes, Flute, Cello, Percussion. General, Holy Communion, Sacred. Handbell Score. 12 pages. Chorister’s Guild #CGB632. Published by Chorister’s Guild (CG.CGB632). UPC: 749193014813. 8.5 x 11 inches.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home by Wilbur Held: Five well-known hymns are set here in simple, pleasing style. The keyboard part works comfortably on either piano or organ, and the cello part will transfer easily, with a few adjustments, to other bass instruments.
Cello and keyboard – Medium – Digital Download. SKU: MQ.20-980-2E Composed by Wilbur Held. All Saints/All Souls. Score. 4 pages. MorningStar Music Publishers – Digital Sheet Music #20-980-2E. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers – Digital Sheet Music (MQ.20-980-2E).
Three Folk Hymns for Winds for Two Flutes, Oboe and Clarinet by Donna Robertson. Innovative arrangements of three familiar folk hymns, perfect for both sacred and secular settings. Instrumentation: 2 Flutes, Oboe, Clarinet.
Chamber Music. SKU: AY.CM109Arranged by Donna N. Robertson. Ensembles – Chamber Music. Score and parts. Alry Publications #CM109. Published by Alry Publications (AY.CM109). ISBN 9790302105312. 9 x 12 inches.
Transformations by Howard Helvey. 10 eloquent new arrangements for piano solo based on beloved hymn tunes: How Can I Keep From Singing? (ENDLESS SONG); Jerusalem, My Happy Home (LAND OF REST); Holy, Holy, Holy (NICAEA); Take Up Thy Cross, the Savior Said (BOURBON); Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness (GERMANY); Christians, We Have Met to Worship (HOLY MANNA); How Great Thou Art (HOW GREAT THOU ART); Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy (RESTORATION); Come Down, O Love Divine (DOWN AMPNEY); The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended (ST. CLEMENT). Difficulty level: Early Advanced.
Piano. SKU: BP.PC25Composed by Howard Helvey. Arranged by Howard Helvey. Piano collections. Collection. Beckenhorst Press #PC25. Published by Beckenhorst Press (BP.PC25). 9 x 12 inches.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home by Charles E. Callahan Jr. Organ – Digital Sheet Music
Jerusalem, My Happy Home by Amanda Tero. An advanced hymn arrangement for the classically-trained pianist. This old melody is delightful and almost like a movie soundtrack. Nestled in moving sixteenth notes with a sprinkling of left hand melody. 4 pages. Keys of F and G. This is part of the Surrender collection—seven arrangements for advanced pianists. Full album also available on most streaming platforms.
Piano Solo – Level 4 – Digital Download. SKU: A0.1083918Composed by American Folk Hymn. Arranged by Amanda Tero. Praise & Worship,Sacred,Traditional. Score. 5 pages. Amanda Tero #688123. Published by Amanda Tero (A0.1083918).
American Folk Hymns for Piano, 8 Early Advanced to Advanced Arrangements by Anna Laura Page: These 8 folk hymns were adopted as American more than a century ago. Titles: Amazing Grace * I Am Bound for the Promised Land * I Know that My Redeemer Lives * Jerusalem, My Happy Home * My Shepherd Will Supply My Need * ‘Tis a Gift to Be Simple * When I Can Read My Title Clear * Wherever I May Wander.
Piano – Advanced; Early Advanced. SKU: AP.188898 Early Advanced to Advanced Arrangements. Composed by Anna Laura Page. Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. Folk; Hymn; Sacred. Book. 36 pages. Alfred Music #00-18889. Published by Alfred Music (AP.18889). UPC: 038081171661. 9 x 12 inches. English.
Chords from Ultimate Guitar website (Some of the words may be different from the SDA Hymnal)
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