Blessed City, heavenly Salem

The hymn, "Urbs beata Jerusalem" - "Blessed city, heavenly Salem" is usually sung at the dedication of a church. The famous melody has a wonderful "roll and sweep" to it, and the words are powerful and full of wonderful imagery.

The score is attached below, for those who may wish to follow. The accompaniment is not played as written.

The full text is:

Blessed city, heavenly Salem,
Vision dear of peace and love,
Who, of living stones upbuilded,
Art the joy of heaven above,
And, with angel cohorts circled,
As a bride to earth dost move!

From celestial realms descending,
Bridal glory round her shed,
To his presence, decked with jewels,
By her Lord shall she be lead:
All her streets, and all her bulwarks,
Of pure gold are fashioned.

Bright with pearls her portals glitter,
They are open evermore;
And, by virtue of her merits,
Thither faithful souls may soar,
Who for Christ's dear Name in this world
Pain and tribulation bore.

Many a blow and biting sculpture
Fashioned well those stones elect,
In their places now compacted
By the heavenly Architect,
Who therewith hath willed for ever
That his palace should be decked.

Laud and honour to the Father;
Laud and honour to the Son;
Laud and honour to the Spirit;
Ever Three, and ever One;
One in love, and One in splendour;
While unending ages run. Amen.

Latin 7th century, translated, John Mason Neale (1818-1866)