Jerusalem, the choral song of the WI
William Blake's poem set to music by Sir Hubert Parry
By singing Jerusalem the WI is marking its links with the wider women's movement, and its commitment to improving the conditions of rural life.
Jerusalem was sung for the first time at the 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in the Queen’s Hall London on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May 1924. The Queen’s Hall was almost entirely filled by the 2,300 delegates and visitors from all over the country.
The decision to choose Jerusalem came as a result of a letter to Home and Country, the WI magazine prior to the inception of WI Life, in the December before the 8th AGM, from Vice Chairman Grace Hadow, suggesting its use. The letter headed An Institute Son, by Grace Hadow: I have recently been at Exhibitions or Council meetings at which the whole assembly has joined in singing Sir Hubert Parry’s setting of Blake’s poem, Jerusalem.
Most, but not all, WIs start or end their meetings by singing Jerusalem.
Click here to see further information on the FAQ pages of The National Federation of WIs website
Jerusalem was sung for the first time at the 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in the Queen’s Hall London on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May 1924. The Queen’s Hall was almost entirely filled by the 2,300 delegates and visitors from all over the country.
The decision to choose Jerusalem came as a result of a letter to Home and Country, the WI magazine prior to the inception of WI Life, in the December before the 8th AGM, from Vice Chairman Grace Hadow, suggesting its use. The letter headed An Institute Son, by Grace Hadow: I have recently been at Exhibitions or Council meetings at which the whole assembly has joined in singing Sir Hubert Parry’s setting of Blake’s poem, Jerusalem.
Most, but not all, WIs start or end their meetings by singing Jerusalem.
Click here to see further information on the FAQ pages of The National Federation of WIs website
| Jerusalem Lyrics.pdf |
