Thine Is The Glory

In 1884, Swiss pastor Edmond L. Budry wrote the hymn “A Toi la Gloire,” setting his French lyrics to a melody drawn from George Frideric Handel. Budry is said to have written the text after the death of his first wife, Marie de Vayenborg, in Lausanne. Out of personal grief came a triumphant declaration of resurrection hope. Rather than dwelling on sorrow, the hymn boldly proclaims the victory of the risen Christ, directing all glory to Him who conquered the grave.

The hymn was later published in the French collection Chants Évangéliques, where it became a cherished Easter song among French-speaking congregations. Its message is rooted firmly in the Resurrection, celebrating Christ’s triumph over death and the believer’s assurance of new life. The pairing of Handel’s majestic melody with Budry’s exultant text gives the hymn a tone of confident praise, fitting for the proclamation, “Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son.”

In 1923, the hymn was translated into English by Richard B. Hoyle at the request of the World Student Christian Federation, after Budry granted permission for its wider use. Through that translation, the hymn spread far beyond its original setting and became a beloved Easter anthem in English-speaking churches. Sung year after year, it continues to lift the Church’s voice in joyful confession that Christ is risen and reigns in glory.

Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning
Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Jesus Loves Me
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Nearer My God to Thee
Abide with Me
His Eye is On the Sparrow
Be Thou My Vision
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Amazing Grace