Aprocessional hymn,opening hymn, orgathering hymn is achant,hymn or other music sung during theProcession, usually at the start of aChristian service, although occasionally during the service itself. The procession usually contains members of the clergy and thechoir walking behind theprocessional cross.[1] Occasionally, a service will also contain a recessional hymnrecessional hymn (see below), although in theProtestant tradition this is usually an organvoluntary.[2]
The genre first appears in the early Middle Ages, and is a distinct genre frombreviary hymns, often containing arefrain. With its longer cathedrals and churches, England was particularly rich in these and several are to be found in theSarum Processional.[3]
InThe English Hymnal nos. 613 to 640 are described as "Processional" and nos. 641 to 646 are "Suitable for use in procession". The processional hymns include "Of the Father's Heart Begotten" (Corde natus ex parentis, byPrudentius), "Ride On, Ride On in Majesty!"(byH. H. Milman), "Hail thee, Festival Day!" (Salve, festa dies, byVenantius Fortunatus) and "Jerusalem, my happy home" (by F.B.P. c. 1580).[4]
Arecessional hymn orclosing hymn is ahymn placed at the end of achurch service to close it. It is used commonly in theCatholic Church, theSeventh-day Adventist Church, andAnglican Church, an equivalent to the concludingvoluntary, which is called a Recessional Voluntary, for example a Wedding Recessional.
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