Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers — Laurentius Laurenti (1660-1722) wrote this hymn of rejoicing at the bridegroom’s coming to go with Matthew 25: 1-13, the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids, which was the gospel for the twenty-seventh Sunday after Trinity. It first appeared in German (“Ermuntert euch, ihr Frommen”) with ten stanzas. Don’t worry, we will only sing four stanzas today!
Laurentius Laurenti was born in Schleswig, which at the time was under Danish control. His father loved music and saw to his music education. In 1681 he enrolled at the University of Rostock and after a year and half went to Kiel to study music. In 1684 he became cantor and music director at the cathedral church in Bremen, serving until his death thirty-eight years later.
This tune is a Swedish folk melody that was paired with Findlater’s translation in the Augustana Synod’s Hymnal and Order of Service for Churches and Sunday Schools (1901). Its jubilant bounce matches the rejoicing of the hymn and keeps it alive.
