Twas on That Dark That Doleful Night
'Twas on that dark, that doleful night
This hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of the Sacrament as a memorial of Christ's redemptive work and a means of grace. The text emphasizes the historical reality of Christ's institution and the church's thanksgiving response to sacrificial love.
History & Background
Written by Thomas Ken in 1695 as part of his Evening Hymn sequence for sacramental devotion. The hymn first appeared in Ken's manual for Winchester scholars and became widely adopted in Anglican and Lutheran hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 127
- Lutheran Worship — 235
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 164
Bulletin Note
Written by Thomas Ken in 1695, this hymn reflects the Anglican recovery of sacramental theology in the Reformation tradition. Its language of memorial and means of grace echoes Luther's own understanding of Christ's real presence in the Supper.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Gospel's answer to our deepest need: in the very hour of betrayal and death, Christ establishes the Sacrament as an eternal covenant of grace that sustains us through every dark night we face.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's forty-day fast as pattern for believer's Lenten struggle against sin, culminating in Easter resurrection hope
Themes
Eucharist Passion of Christ Memorial of Christ's death Incarnation