Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken Fairest Lord Jesus / Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

This 78 rpm record was issued by the Re-Cord-U-Company, a private label operation that specialized in short-run, custom, or boutique pressings rather than mainstream commercial distribution. Given the lack of a formal catalog number and the specific pairing of these two traditional hymns, it was likely produced as a liturgical or commemorative memento for the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. The disc captures a moment of mid-century ecclesiastical performance practice, reflecting the formal choral traditions of the cathedral during the era.

The Choir of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is one of the most storied musical institutions in the United States, maintaining a rigorous tradition of Anglican choral music. These recordings were intended to capture the specific acoustic character of the cathedral’s vast interior space. The choice of 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' and 'Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken' highlights the repertoire staples that defined the choir's identity, emphasizing a reverent, measured style that appealed to congregations and radio listeners of the period who sought high-quality devotional music in an intimate format.