St. Andrew’s has quite a claim when it comes to music and hymns. Few hymns are as well known or as deeply loved as Rock of Ages. The words were written in 1776 by the Revd Augustus Montague Toplady, who served as Vicar of St Andrew’s Church. From this small Devon parish came a hymn that has since been sung by millions of Christians around the world and remains a treasured part of Anglican worship.
The title comes from the biblical image of God as a rock: a source of strength, refuge and security. The opening line, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee,” expresses the Christian belief that, in Christ, we find forgiveness, hope and a firm foundation amid the storms and uncertainties of life.
Tradition holds that Toplady found shelter in a cleft in the rocks during a storm at Burrington Combe and was inspired to write the hymn afterwards. Whether or not the story is literally true, the image has become inseparable from the hymn’s message of God’s protection and grace.
For the people of Broadhembury, Rock of Ages is more than a famous hymn: it is a reminder that our parish church has played a small but significant part in the wider story of the Church. The words first penned by a former vicar here continue to bring comfort and inspiration to worshippers across the world, linking this ancient village with a rich and enduring Christian heritage.
Our Favourite Hymns
Our wonderful organist Cecile fills the church with the most fabulous music. Here are a few of our favourites which you might like to hear.
St Andrew’s Church, Broadhembury 