The highest and the holiest place

The highest and the holiest place. Henry Alford* (1810-1871). Written in 1835. It was published in Alford’s Psalms and Hymns, adapted to the Sundays and Holydays throughout the year (1844), and subsequently in his Poetical Works (1845) with the title ‘St Matthias’s Day’. Matthias was chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles (Acts 1:26). His Feast Day was 24 February (since 1969, in the Roman Church, 14 May). The Collect for 24 February in the Book of Common Prayer prays that ‘thy Church, being alway preserved from false Apostles, may be ordered and guided by faithful and true pastors’, which is the origin of this hymn. Although it was chosen for EH, it has not...

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