Trinity Milwaukee

Hymn Notes 🎶

May 15, 2026

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

One of our hymns for the Feast of the Ascension is, "See, the Conqueror Mounts in Triumph." TLH 218

"This Ascension hymn, called in Julian 'one grand rush of holy song,' is probably the finest poetic work of Anglican cleric Christopher Wordsworth (1807-85). It was originally published in 1862 in his hymn collection The Holy Year. The original hymn contained ten stanzas, of which six are included in TLH.

The biblical imagery in this hymn sees Christ depicted as the King enthroned, Enoch, Aaron, Joshua, and Elijah. Wordsworth weaves doxology, typology, prophecy, and doctrine together in a way that should serve as a model for modern hymnody. The style is similar in many respects to a Greek ode, but this only heightens how Wordsworth uses the connection between the prophetic character of the Old Testament and its fulfillment in Christ." LSB Companion to the Hymns

1. See the Conqu'ror mounts in triumph; See the King in royal state, Riding on the clouds, His chariot, To His heav'nly palace gate!
Hark, the choirs of angel voices Joyful alleluias sing, And the portals high are lifted To receive their heav'nly King.

2. Who is this that comes in glory With the trump of jubilee? Lord of battles, God of armies, - He hath gained the victory.
He who on the cross did suffer, He who from the grave arose, He hath vanquished sin and Satan; He by death hath spoiled His foes.

3. While He lifts His hands in blessing, He is parted from His friends; While their eager eyes behold Him, He upon the clouds ascends.
He who walked with God and pleased Him, Preaching truth and doom to come, He, our Enoch, is translated To His everlasting home.

4. Now our heav'nly Aaron enters With His blood within the veil; Joshua now is come to Canaan, And the kings before Him quail.
Now He plants the tribes of Israel In their promised resting-place; Now our great Elijah offers Double portion of His grace.

5. Thou hast raised our human nature On the clouds to God's right hand; There we sit in heavenly places, There with Thee in glory stand.
Jesus reigns, adored by angels; Man with God is on the throne. Mighty Lord, on Thine ascension We by faith behold our own.

6. Glory be to God the Father; Glory be to God the Son, Dying, risen, ascending for us, Who the heavenly realm hath won;
Glory to the Holy Spirit! To One God in Persons Three Glory both in earth and heaven, Glory, endless glory, be.

God's peace,
Trudy J. Schmalz
Director of Music

The Ascension of Christ-Rembrandt