All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name 

Hymn History 

By Savannah Logan  

 

Edward Perronet’s hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”, stands as one of the most enduring and beloved expressions of Christian faith, resonating across centuries and cultures. First published in 1779 in Gospel Magazine, a periodical edited by Augustus M. Toplady, the hymn originally bore the title “On the Resurrection. The Lord is King.” The following year, an expanded eight-stanza version appeared in the same magazine, reflecting its growing popularity. Over time, the hymn underwent significant revisions, most notably in 1787 when John Rippon included it in his Selection of Hymns. Rippon’s adaptation, which remains the standard today, altered Perronet’s original closing stanza to one that envisions a heavenly gathering, singing in unison at the feet of Christ. 

Perronet, born in Sundridge, England, in 1726, was deeply connected to the Methodist movement and the Wesley brothers. Of Huguenot descent, his life was marked by both collaboration and controversy. Despite his close association with John Wesley, Perronet clashed with the Methodist founder on key issues, such as the administration of sacraments by Methodist preachers. His satirical critique of the Church of England in The Mitre further distanced him from traditional religious circles, eventually leading him to minister independently in Canterbury. Perronet’s wit and resolve were evident even in his preaching – when Wesley insisted he deliver a sermon, Perronet simply read the Sermon on the Mount, declaring it the greatest ever preached. 

The hymn’s enduring appeal is reflected in its association with multiple tunes, each carrying its own cultural and denominational significance. The American tune “CORONATION”, composed by Oliver Holden in 1792, offers a regal, march-like quality befitting the hymn’s themes of divine majesty. “DIADEM”, created by James Ellor in 1838 for a Wesleyan Sunday school anniversary, presents a more intricate, choir-friendly arrangement with a stately rhythm reminiscent of a minuet. The original tune, “MILES’ LANE”, composed by William Shrubsole, has largely fallen out of favor, eclipsed by the grandeur of the other settings. 

The hymn’s universal message of worship and unity is encapsulated in its verses, which call on angels, martyrs, sinners, and every tribe to crown Christ as Lord of all. Its progression from a text tied to 18th-century evangelical revivalism to a timeless anthem underscores its power to inspire faith, worship, and communal praise. Whether sung with the majestic strains of “CORONATION” or the intricate harmonies of “DIADEM”, the hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” continues to invite believers to join the “everlasting song” in celebration of Christ’s eternal reign.