Abide with Me - Carl Schalk (1929-2021)

Although this hymn is often considered an evening hymn, it is really about the eventide of life. The author of the text, Henry Lyte, was inspired by the words from Luke 24:29, “Abide with us; for it is toward evening and the day is far spent.” Lyte himself had been suffering from failing health, which forced him to give up his parish in Lower Brixham. The tune is by William Henry Monk (1823-1889). According to legend, it was composed at the intermission of a meeting of the Hymns Ancient and Modern editorial committee. The tune first appeared with the text in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861. This setting (publ. 2019) for SATB voices with organ was composed by Carl Schalk, who was a Lutheran composer known for his numerous choral compositions, hymn tunes, and carols.

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens: Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still if Thou abide with me!

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

-Henry F. Lyte (1793-1847), alt.