John Mason Neale, PriestGood Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today!
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss; Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath opened heaven's door, and we are blest for evermore.
Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!
That is just one of 45 pieces with John Mason Neale's name on it in the Episcopal Hymnal. Neale translated ancient hymns from Greek and Latin, many of which are included in that number of 45. He was especially fond of the works of Ambrose of Milan, the fourth century bishop who baptized Augustine of Hippo whose autobiographical Confessions is still in print. Neale compiled hymnals and wrote a church history as well as a four-volume commentary on the Psalms.
In addition to his other scholarly and priestly duties, Neale established the Camden Society, which held out for great architecture in churches. He was also the founder of the Sisterhood of St. Margaret which worked for the education of girls and the care of the sick. Though never in good health, he accomplished much in his short time on earth. Neale died on August 6, 1866, but we celebrate his feast day on August 7 because August 6 is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus.
In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
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