The tune St. Elizabeth is one of those that has found its way into almost every mainstream hymnal. You might know this tune as the hymn “Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of creation.” It is one my favorites since I was but a child in the old Methodist Church before it merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church on April 23, 1968.
Nicholasville Methodist Church, my childhood church, had a moderate choir as well as Hammond organ (all the rage then) and, if I recall correctly, the minister’s wife, Mrs. Fryman was the organist at the time. St. Elizabeth was a favorite back then that we probably sung at least once every 2 or 3 months.
This small suite for organ on St. Elizabeth is in the classical style one would most likely attribute to belonging to a pipe organ. It is easy to play and hopefully it does justice to that simple but beloved chorale tune. I’m willing to bet, though, that even the old Hammond at Nicholasville Methodist Church would have given good service to this suite as well.
As a bonus, there is an alternative organ accompaniment to the hymn in E-flat major, the most common key in hymnals, with an optional descant included with this suite.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Saint Elizabeth Suite for Organ
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