Aurelia

This past October, I wrote three verses to the hymn tune Aurelia (The Church’s One Foundation) by Samuel Sebastian Wesley. I wrote them in memory of my former organ teacher, mentor, and father-in-law, Brian Webb, who died at the end of August. I incorporated ideas from the hymns, prayers, and liturgy of the Episcopal Church, and Brian’s love for sailing, as well as traditions from his native New Zealand. As we approach Holy Week, I find myself thinking about all of those saints we have lost this past year--and finding comfort knowing that death is not the end, and that love always prevails.

In Memory of Dr. Brian P. Webb

For those who’ve gone before us, we lift our voice in song;

the choirs of angels welcome them to their heav’nly throng;

these saints will find their peace in the light of God above,

and know unending comfort within the arms of love.

Though darkness seems to cover our hearts in their distress,

the peace of Christ will come in returning and in rest;

the spirits of our loved ones will on the waves set sail;

the Son will shine upon us and show that love prevails.

So even at the graveside, we sing into the night—

a fearless Alleluia to magnify the light;

The dust of death is joined by the flowers of the land,

which prove the love that holds us in God’s almighty hand.