MWR : Old hymnals still popular

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June 25, 2012 issue

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Old hymnals still popular

Books first published in 1902 and 1927 remain good sellers for MennoMedia, serving conservative churches

By Tim Huber Mennonite World Review

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Stacked in neat piles on warehouse shelves at MennoMedia’s main office in Harrisonburg, Va., two sets of black-bound hymnals look out of place by a century.

MennoMedia still produces two historic hymnals — the 1902 <i>Church and Sunday School Hymnal</i> and the 1927 <i>Church Hymnal</i>. In fact, the 1902 hymnal inventory ran out in early April, and a fresh run of 2,500 more was delivered in early June. MennoMedia production director Terry Graber oversees both the continuing hymnal production and new initiatives, like digital e-books available online soon.

MennoMedia still produces two historic hymnals — the 1902 Church and Sunday School Hymnal and the 1927 Church Hymnal. In fact, the 1902 hymnal inventory ran out in early April, and a fresh run of 2,500 more was delivered in early June. MennoMedia production director Terry Graber oversees both the continuing hymnal production and new initiatives, like digital e-books available online soon. — Photo by Tim Huber/MWR

In heavy lettering, the title pages still tout Mennonite Publishing House in Scottdale, Pa. — a nod to MennoMedia’s publishing grandparent.

The Gothic-inspired gold-foil lettering conjures a time when not just the Amish used horses to get to church.

The 1902 Church and Sunday School Hymnal and the 1927 Church Hymnal have seen few, if any, changes — and that’s the way their users like it. Thousands of the hymnals continue to be sold to conservative Mennonite groups each year, often through distributors other than MennoMedia.

Eastern Mennonite Publications in Ephrata, Pa., is one such distributor. Board member Eby W. Burkholder said EMP has a great appreciation for both hymnals.

“They represent the more traditional type of singing which we as a conservative Mennonite church are attempting to preserve,” he said.

The Church Hymnal was the songbook of choice for Mennonite Church congregations until the 1969 Mennonite Hymnal was introduced.

J.D. Brunk compiled the 384-page Church and Sunday School Hymnal for its initial 1902 publication. The songs were mostly English, though 50 German hymns are also included.

David Luthy of Pathway Publishers in Aylmer, Ont., said the Amish organization has sold the hymnal to area conservative Mennonites since 1964.

“That is, though, not to say it is used by most Amish,” said Luthy, who is Amish. “It is one of several hymnals used in our local community at Sunday evening youth singings. How many other Amish settlements use it, I do not know.”

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Comments

I still use mine at home while observing my personal devotions. The song, "Just as I am', (566), of the Church Hymnal, on page 435, is one of my favourites as it was my baptismal song. On one occassion I used this hymnal as part of my contribution to devotions at a local Anglican meeting.

Unfortunately, as a transsexual these days I cannot use the hymnal and singing with other conservative anabaptists - I miss that. Oh well.

- Erika Fels (jun 21 at 4:27 a.m.)
That should have read:" .....I cannot use the hymnal while singing with other conservative anabaptists.....".

I have many happy memories of my time with conservative anabaptist.

- Erika Fels (jun 21 at 4:39 a.m.)
As music editor of GREAT SONGS OF THE CHURCH, REVISED (a hymnal used by Churches of Christ, a conservative group which uses congregational music only) our editorial staff quickly found that memory trumps any other emotional or intellectual stimulation. The "people in the pews" want something that reminds them of their parents when they, parents and kids, were younger. Can't fight memory. And our people often wanted shaped notes, even if less than 3% of our people could read the shapes. Standard round notation just didn't look right. -- Jack Boyd

- Dr. Jack Boyd (jun 21 at 9:42 a.m.)
I would love to find a hymnal called " Songs Of Home". Its not real old but is out of print. I would be so grateful if I could find one. Thanks

- sue beebe (oct 22 at 11:01 p.m.)
Riley's "Songs of Home?" Probably not, but that is available through Amazon.com, along with a couple of other books by the same name. The Riley version is available for download from Google Books and also at http://archive.org/details/rileysongshome00rilegoog.

- Bob Neufeld (nov 19 at 9:23 p.m.)
I would very much like to have an old hymnal, or even sheet music of the hymn which starts Neither do I condemn thee, precious words devine Thanks much

- Nancy Williams (may 4 at 9:41 p.m.)
Nancy, go to NameThatHymndotcom for the lyrics; I also found several renditions on YouTube. Also discovered this song is in Gospel Hymns No. 5 which is available on Amazon. Good luck!

- Debra Bender (may 5 at 12:54 a.m.)

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