Hymn: Upon the Height of Tabor's Mount
I have never written a hymn before.
Like the Rev. Timothy Dudley-Smith,I have no ability to carry a tune. None. Zero Zilch. When God gave gifts to his creatures, this was one woefully absent from my own mix.
That being said, I am one who loves words and lyrics.
I have worshipped in parishes in the almost forty years of my life, I have become increasingly aware that the wonders of our hymnal (TEC 1982) include a surprising lack of options for certain days of the year or biblical themes. The Transfiguration is one such story. Occurring twice in the lectionary with its own feast day and Last Epiphany, the hymnal has a rather thin set of offerings to commemorate this incredible hinge moment as Galilean ministry becomes Jerusalemite mission.
I am not saying that the options on the hymnal are thin; some of my favorite hymns can be found between 128-137. "Songs of thankfulness and praise" is an absolute banger when played and sung with passion! Rather, this grouping of hymns is set aside for Epiphanytide with the Transfiguration playing a supporting role.
To address this, I set out to write a hymn for the Transfiguration with a well-known tune. I wanted the tune to be a driving force behind the lyrics, both melodically and theologically. I opted for WINCHESTER NEW as it is the primary tune for "On Jordan's banks the Baptist's cry," and an alternate tune for "Ride on, ride on in majesty." My goal was to bridge the gap between the beginning of Jesus' public ministry at the Jordan and it's cruciform culmination in Jerusalem by capturing the turning point of Luke's gospel. In approaching it this way, I hope this forms a hymnodic triad the Church which can begin with the first Sunday in Lent, continue with Palm Sunday, and then find a third point with either the Feast of the Transfiguration and/or the Last Sunday after the Epiphany.
You will notice in the lyrics that I have opted to extend the Transfiguration reading beyond the traditional Lukan text (Lk. 9:28-36) all the way to Lk. 9:51 wherein Jesus famously "set his face like flint toward Jerusalem. Jesus' appearance between Moses and Elijah atop Tabor with three disciples gathered around is more than the revelation of God's glory manifest in Christ. It is also the moment in Luke when everything points to the cross because God is glorified in Christ crucified.
I have organized the verses so the hymn can function as either a closing hymn or a gospel sequence. As a sequence, I prefer splitting the hymn before and after the Gospel reading (yes, I know there are those who disagree. It's ok, we can still be friends). If your parish splits the hymn, v.1-3 would go before and v.4-5 after. You could also program the entire hymn before the Gospel.
Rather than rambling on any further, I am sharing the text to this hymn below and a PDF copy of the lyrics. For organists, pianists, music ministers, choral directors, and worship leaders (I don't believe I left anyone out!), I would be honored if you gave this hymn a try during a worship service. Permission is granted for congregational use with attribution.
My prayer is that this serve the Church well by glorifying God as we read and sing.
Upon the height of Tabor’s Mount
Text: The Rev. Dr. Porter C. Taylor, 2026
Tune: WINCHESTER NEW (L.M.)
Permission granted for congregational use with attribution.
1. Upon the height of Tabor’s mount,
Christ is the gleaming, glorious fount
In splendid light he came arrayed
God’s gracious love was there displayed.
2. The law and prophets next to him
They flank him like the Cherubim
The promise born in Genesis
Was finish’d by his exodus
3. From the great cloud, God’s voice was heard
“Listen to Him,” the incarnate Word
He came with power, that he may
Drive all dark, death, and sin away.
4. Down mountain slopes, face set like flint
He’s marching toward Jerusalem
To climb the cross, that curséd tree
Unveiled, enthroned in majesty
5. Almighty Father, Reigning Son,
Eternal Spirit, three in one
Our Alleluia raised to Thee
Endless praise to our Trinity.