7 sacred songs performed at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral

'Christ is made the sure foundation'

The hymn “Christ is made the sure foundation” derives its existence from the Medieval Era, composed by an unknown author in Latin during the seventh century and later translated by John Mason Neale in the 19th century.

“Neale’s original translation has been altered significantly for today’s hymnals, and the flowing plainsong melody has been replaced by the stately tune Westminster Abbey composed by the famous English composer Henry Purcell,” explained C. Michael Hawn, professor at Southern Methodist University.

“Yet something of this song from deep in our Christian past remains and still informs our faith today if we will allow ourselves to sing with the saints.”