“Crown Him Lord of all”: the story of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

Few hymns are sung to three different tunes and loved in all of them. “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” is one. Whether a congregation sings it to Coronation, Miles Lane or Diadem, the refrain is the same: “And crown Him Lord of all.”

Perronet and the theme

The words were written by Edward Perronet, an English minister of the eighteenth century who was associated for a time with John and Charles Wesley’s Methodist movement. The hymn first appeared in the November 1779 issue of the Gospel Magazine, which was edited by Augustus Toplady, the author of “Rock of Ages”. The hymn calls on angels, martyrs, the redeemed and every nation to crown Christ as Lord of all. Each verse adds a new group to the choir of praise.

Three tunes

In Britain, the words were first associated with the tune Miles Lane by William Shrubsole, written in 1779. It appeared in the Gospel Magazine as a three-part arrangement with a figured bass. In the United States, the most common tune is Coronation, composed by Oliver Holden in 1793. It is one of the oldest American hymn tunes still widely sung.

A third tune, Diadem, by James Ellor in 1838, is also popular. Its repeated “Crown Him” in running passages between the voices makes it sound almost like a choral anthem.

Verses and Africa

Over time, editors altered and added verses, so different hymnals print different versions. The final verse, imagining all people gathered before God’s throne, is among the best known. The hymn is sung in Ghanaian and Nigerian churches at major festivals, ordinations and anniversaries. Choirs sometimes sing it to Diadem with great energy. Its call for “every kindred, every tribe” to crown Christ made it popular in missionary movements, expressing the hope of a worldwide church.

Augustus Toplady used the Gospel Magazine to publish hymns and sermons for evangelical readers. Printing Perronet’s text alongside Shrubsole’s tune helped both spread quickly through English congregations.

The refrain

Every verse builds toward the same line, so even a first-time visitor can join in by the end. The repetition gives the hymn the feel of a procession, with each group of worshippers stepping forward in turn. Modern worship leaders have produced new arrangements, but many congregations still prefer the traditional tunes and harmonies. Congregations may disagree about which tune is best. They rarely disagree about the words. For more than two centuries, “All Hail the Power” has given Christians a simple way to declare who they believe is King.