All Creatures of Our God and King

"All Creatures of Our God and King" is one of those majestic hymns that instantly lifts the spirit of a congregation. Based on St. Francis of Assisi's famous Canticle of the Sun, the text calls on every part of creation—the burning sun, the silver moon, the rushing wind, and even gentle death—to join in a massive chorus of praise. When the choir leads the soaring "Alleluia" refrains, it feels as though the walls of the church are expanding to take in the whole world.

This particular arrangement includes a soaring soprano descant by Jeff Whitmill, designed to float above the final verse and add a brilliant layer of brightness to the melody. We often bring this hymn out for Entrance or Recessional processions, especially on feast days or during the Easter season when the call to rejoice is strongest. It requires good breath control to carry the long, sweeping phrases, but when the voices unite on that final "Three in One," the result is pure, uncontained joy.