Handbook to the Mennonite Hymnary by Lester Hostetler is a comprehensive guide to the hymn collection used by the Mennonite church. The book provides historical context for each hymn, as well as explanations of the meanings and significance behind the lyrics. Hostetler's writing is scholarly and detailed, making this book an invaluable resource for those interested in Mennonite hymnody. The blend of music theory, religious studies, and cultural analysis sets this handbook apart, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Mennonite hymnal. Hostetler's insightful commentary enriches the reader's appreciation of the hymns and offers a unique perspective on their spiritual and cultural relevance. Lester Hostetler, a respected Mennonite scholar, brings his expertise and passion for hymnology to this work. His dedication to preserving and interpreting the Mennonite hymnal shines through in his meticulous research and thoughtful analysis. With its wealth of information and thoughtful insights, Handbook to the Mennonite Hymnary is a must-have for scholars, musicians, and anyone interested in the history and significance of Mennonite hymnody.

The 20th century, especially the latter decades, was a time of explosive growth and importance in hymnody, and yet published material about the hymnody of this period has been scattered and difficult to come by. The present volume catalogues and categorizes the available writings to guide students and scholars in their research. Furthermore, this reference does not depend primarily on the view of the author/compiler, but guides users toward a broad spectrum of viewpoints about 20th-century hymnody. Listing the principal writings on the repertory, language, practice, and people of hymnody during the last century, this annotated bibliography offers students and researchers alike a handy reference for a vast and varied field. Beginning with a unique introduction to and summary of hymnody in the 20th century, Music arranges the entries by topic, dividing each chapter by helpful subject headings. The repertory of the twentieth century, and language issues are discussed. Practical elements of hymnody are covered, while the final chapter lists writings about individual hymn writers and other influential persons in the field. Music provides a brief annotation for each entry and uses numerous cross-references, guiding the reader to relevant material in other sections of the book. A comprehensive index concludes this essential reference.

The publication by John Wesley of the "Foundery" Collection (1742) marked the establishment of standards for tunes suited to Methodist hymn singing. Early Methodist hymn books in the United States contained words only, but they were cross-referenced with a leader's tune book, beginning with David's Companion (1808). "With One Heart and One Voice" reviews the trends surrounding the styles of tunes selected and analyzes the changes in shape and text for the most frequently used tunes in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Seventy six "core repertory" tunes are analyzed based upon their repeated appearances in most of the tune books published between 1808 and 1878, at which point Methodists finally obtained a hymnal with both words and music, after a half century of experimentation with tune selection. The conclusions reached in this work will allow scholars, hymnologists, and hymn singers to explore the social and musicological influences on hymn tune writing, how long it took for texts to acquire a "fixed tune," how tastes in hymn tunes change ever so slowly, and how many delightful tunes found in the core repertory of the 19th century have been dropped from today's repertoire.

Rogal surveys the specifics of American Methodist hymnody from 1878 through 1966. He provides a table of hymnals with full bibliographic data and traces the background and development of the six official Methodist hymnals. This book also serves as a reference guide to the 3,901 hymns and tunes included in the most recent editions of the six major Methodist hymnals.

While many evangelical congregations have moved away from hymns and hymnals, these were once central fixtures in the evangelical tradition. This book examines the role and importance of hymns in evangelicalism, not only as a part of worship but as tools for theological instruction, as a means to identity formation, and as records of past spiritual experiences of the believing community. Written by knowledgeable church historians, Wonderful Words of Life explores the significance of hymn-singing in many dimensions of American Protestant and evangelical life. The book focuses mainly on church life in the United States but also discusses the foundational contributions of Isaac Watts and other British hymn writers, the use of gospel songs in English Canada, and the powerful attraction of African-American gospel music for whites of several religious persuasions. Includes appendixes on the American Protestant Hymn Project and on hymns in Roman Catholic hymnals. Contributors: Susan Wise Bauer Thomas E. Bergler Virginia Lieson Brereton Esther Rothenbusch Crookshank Kevin Kee Richard J. Mouw Mark A. Noll Felicia Piscitelli Robert A. Schneider Rochelle A. Stackhouse Jeffrey VanderWilt