Stanford set the traditional liturgical texts in English in 1879 when he was the organist of Trinity College, Cambridge.

In 1877, Charles Villiers Stanford, returning from extended studies in Leipzig and Berlin, was appointed organist of Trinity College, Cambridge.

[2] He set the traditional liturgical Anglican texts in English, as part of his efforts to improve singing at the College Chapel.

[1] The Jubilate Deo (Psalm 100) and Te Deum in B♭ were first performed during Matins (Morning service) on 25 May 1879.

The Service in B♭ was a significant development in Stanford's setting of the morning and evening canticles.