On September 1, 2024, the Pender UMC choir and congregation united in singing the powerful hymn "Come, Thou Almighty King," creating an uplifting atmosphere of praise and worship. This moving rendition was beautifully accompanied by Mark Severeniuk on tuba and Heidi Jacobs on piano, adding depth and richness to the timeless melody.
Join us in this inspiring moment of worship as we sang together, calling upon God's guidance and grace. We pray this hymn touches your heart and strengthens your spirit.
“Come, Thou Almighty King”
Anonymous author
UM Hymnal, No. 61“Come, Thou Almighty King”
Come, thou almighty King, Help us thy name to sing,
Help us to praise! Father all glorious, O’er all victorious,
Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days!
This well-known hymn, now of uncertain authorship, was attributed to Charles Wesley in Methodist hymnals published in the United States until 1905.
“Come, Thou Almighty King” appeared in a tract with a Wesley hymn, “Jesus, Let Thy Pitying Eye,” a combination that led to the false assumption of Wesley’s authorship. Perkins School of Theology professor, Fred D. Gealy, conducting research for the 1966 Methodist Hymnal, found that the hymn appeared as early as 1755 in the 22nd edition of George Whitfield’s Collection of Hymns for Social Worship.
The poetic meter of this hymn (664.666.4), however, was not one used by Charles Wesley in any of his hymns. This is the same meter used for the famous British national hymn, “God Save the King,” sung on this side of the Atlantic to the tune called AMERICA (“My Country, ’Tis of Thee”).
Come, Thou Almighty King gives the singer an opportunity to worship the fullness of God – that is, the Trinity. Verse one addresses the Father, followed by verse two addressing Jesus, the Holy Spirit in verse three, and finally, the Trinity in verse four.
