Rock of Ages

The story of this hymn

Augustus Toplady, the young vicar of Broadhembury in Devon, published these verses in The Gospel Magazine in March 1776, at the close of an article arguing that no one can pay off their own debt of sin. The well-loved story that he wrote it while sheltering from a storm in a rocky cleft at Burrington Combe cannot be proved, but it fits the hymn's single image: a place to hide. Toplady died of tuberculosis two years later, still in his thirties.

Where it sits in the service

Usually sung mid-service, after the readings or tributes, though its last verse — written for the moment of death itself — also makes it a fitting final hymn before the committal. Older mourners will know it to two different tunes; note the tune name on the order of service, or confirm with the organist beforehand, so the congregation is not caught out on the first line.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Hymn — Rock of Ages” with the leader or choir named beside it.

How it is actually sung

A hymn of shelter, and one older congregations know well while younger ones often do not. Three of the four verses is the usual choice. It suits a service for someone who had a long faith and a hard life, and it wants a firm, steady pace rather than a mournful one — it is a hymn about refuge, not about grief.

Printing the words

Public domain, so print freely. If the congregation skews young, print all four verses rather than assuming familiarity.

This is practical guidance rather than legal advice. Reproduction rights vary by territory, by hymnal edition and by the licence your church holds — the church office is the right place to ask, and they answer this question often.