Lift up your heads, O gates

Lift up your heads, O gates. Bert Polman* (1945-2013). A paraphrase of Psalm 24:7-9, written in 1986 for the Psalter Hymnal (1987). Bert Polman, co-editor of the hymnal, wrote this text for the vivid processional hymn tune VINEYARD HAVEN by Richard Dirksen*. The author retained the refrain sometimes sung with Edward H. Plumptre*’s ‘Rejoice, ye pure in heart’*, which Dirksen had set in June 1974 in the form of a hymn-anthem for the installation of John M. Allin as the Presiding Bishop of Washington Cathedral. The anthem was first published in Ecumenical Praise (Carol Stream, Illinois, 1977). Each verse concluded with the refrain: ‘Hosanna, hosanna! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!’,...