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Views & Reviews: 52 Hymn Stories Dramatized

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52 Hymn Stories Dramatized

The title of this work by Ken Osbeck is pretty self-explanatory. He tells the stories of dozens of hymns, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, How Great Thou Art, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing, Because He Lives, Wonderful Grace of Jesus, and many more.

These are presented as dramatic readings, requiring anywhere from two to half a dozen readers. They can simply be read, or you could consider having individuals memorize the material and present the short vignettes in costume. There is great flexibility in the presentation. Recommended.

Check out 52 Hymn Stories Dramatized.

Views & Reviews: Hymn Stories

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101 More Hymn Stories

For years I have written a weekly newspaper column on the subject of our traditional hymns. I am often asked where I get my information, or to recommend a good book on the subject.

Quite a few of the prominent hymn writers published autobiographies, or had their life’s stories told by others. However, most of these works are long out of print. Even secondary sources that drew upon them are often unavailable. Some of the books in my own library date from well over a century ago. Occasionally, you will come across recent reprints of these. Other times, they can be picked up in used book stores.

Of the more recent books, two of the best are by Kenneth Osbeck. Between them they provide us with over 200 stories of the more familiar hymns. They are:

After

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Words: Napoleon Bonaparte (“Jack”) Vandall (b. Dec. 28, 1896; d. Aug. 24:1970)
Music: Napoleon Bonaparte Vandall

Note: This fine gospel song was published in 1934. The touching story behind it is told briefly in the Wordwise link below. A fuller account, in Jack Vandall’s own words, is found in Ken Osbeck’s book 101 More Hymn Stories (Kregel Publications, 1985). Phil Kerr, in his book Music in Evangelism (Zondervan Publishing House, 1962) tells us a little about the author’s early life.

Vandall’s mother, a dedicated Christian, died when he was a boy, and he had no other spiritual influence in his life. He became a cabaret entertainer, in the early years of the twentieth century, then served in the Marines in the First World War. After the war, he became a businessman in Akron, Ohio. In 1920, he was converted at a Methodist camp meeting. It was then that he entered Christian ministry.

(Stanza numbers in brackets below refer to the stanza number in The Cyber Hymnal. Find the link at the bottom of the article.)

It’s an important word: after. And, since God has made us eternal beings, there always is an “after.” For the believer, a common application of this truth is the realization that the trials and suffering of this present life do have an end. In this life, we have the presence and sustaining grace of the Lord, as He leads the way onward–after which He will call us to Himself, in the heavenly kingdom. As the psalmist puts it, “You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (Ps. 73:24).

That means that, for every Christian, “Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). That truth brought special comfort to the hymn writer on a particular occasion. Vandall’s son Paul was run down by a car. In the hospital, severely injured, it looked as though he would not survive. When the grieving father knelt to pray, all he could do was cry out, “Oh, God!” But he says:

“It seemed to me that Jesus knelt by my side, and I could feel His arms around me as He said, ‘Never mind, My child. Your home will be visited with tribulation and sorrow, but in the afterwards to come, these things shall not be.’”

Jack Vandall

That comfort is not wishful thinking. In fact, the assurance of our own glorious resurrection is provided for by another “afterward.” In First Corinthians 15, the great resurrection chapter, we see God’s plan laid out: “Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” Then the promise will be fulfilled:

“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Rev. 21:4

And we have this further assurance:

“Our light affliction, which is but for a moment [even though it is painful, and perhaps seems unending at the time], is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory….The things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

II Cor. 4:17-18

It was as he was comforted by such thoughts as these, even in his deep distress, that Jack Vandall went to the piano and wrote the words and music of a personal testimony to his faith that has since blessed many.

(1) After the toil and the heat of the day,
After my troubles are past,
After the sorrows are taken away,
I shall see Jesus at last.

He shall be waiting for me–
Jesus, so kind and true:
On His beautiful throne,
He will welcome me home,
After the day is through.

(2) After the heartaches and sighing shall cease,
After the cold winter’s blast,
After the conflict comes glorious peace–
I shall see Jesus at last.

Questions:

  1. Why is it we have such difficulty seeing beyond the trials of this life to the “afterwards”?
  2. Is there someone you can encourage this week with the message of this song?

Links:

Ignorance…Blissful or Otherwise

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Ignorant. It’s a harsh word. A kind of put-down to say, “You’re ignorant!” Perhaps it’s that word “ignore” that lurks suspiciously in the opening letters. To ignore something is to willfully disregard it, to fail to take adequate note of it. Thus, to be ignorant is to be an ignorer, unaware of some important things–perhaps through a lack of exposure to them, or through carelessly turning away from them, or both.

It is not difficult to see how this relates to the traditional hymns and gospel songs of the church. In his book, Elements of Musical Notation and Conducting, Ernest O. Sellers makes a pertinent comment. And Mr. Sellers (1869-1952) knew whereof he spoke. A gospel song writer, a song leader for many well known Bible teachers and evangelists of his day, and a music teacher at Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute, his observations were based on wide experience. And he makes this statement, as applicable today as when it was written in 1938:

One great difficulty in the way of good congregational singing is that so few pastors, conductors [i.e. worship leaders], or congregations really know the contents of the book they are using. We have met pastors who confessed they did not know the name of the book in their own church (p. 82).

And how much more has this been compounded in a day when so many churches have chosen virtually to ignore the hymn book, opting instead for contemporary choruses, or the occasional contemporary rewriting of an old hymn that merely borrows and few lines of it here and there. (Rarely is the latter an improvement on the original.) As noted elsewhere, C. S. Lewis called this abandonment of older things “chronological snobbery.” (Ouch!)

It’s an argument I’ve heard many times–that we can’t sing those old hymns because they have no meaning for the young people. They can’t understand them. My answer to that is usually: don’t capitulate; educate! It’s possible to teach and explain the great hymns of the faith. But a friend gave me another slant on the issue.

An older gentleman, I was talking with him about this the other day, and he said it’s nonsense. Back in the 70’s he was the drummer in a rock band. “Hair down to our shoulders, we were into the likes of Jimi Henrix and Led Zeppelin [a precursor of heavy metal rock]. But one night, five of us went to a Salvation Army meeting, and we got saved. And immediately the old hymns had meaning to us. We loved them. They seemed to echo what was happening in our lives.” One person’s testimony.

When being invited to speak at a church, I usually ask what hymnal is used, with a view to suggesting a song or two that would fit my message theme. My experience has duplicated that of Mr. Sellers many times. The pastor will sometimes express uncertainty even as to the name of their hymnal, and when hymns from the church’s own book are suggested the response may well be, “But we don’t know that one.”

Recently, I communicated with a church where I was to preach, suggesting (a couple of weeks in advance) the following hymns would be appropriate: Jesus Calls Us, More Love to Thee, and O Jesus, I Have Promised, as well as the little gospel song I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. They were each included in the order of service. But the service leader met me, on my arrival, expressing some dismay that they were all unfamiliar to her!

The responsibility for this state of affairs has to be assigned at several different levels.

  1. Certainly, it should be the desire of the individual believer to learn as much as possible about the hymns of the church, and their authors. If you have a computer, you can always call up the Cyber Hymnal, and sing along as the melody is played for you there. Or check out my Article about Singing Through the Alphabet.
  2. Like other areas of Christian teaching, that knowledge should be gained not simply in the services of the church, but in the home where it is shared with family members. Family devotions is an ideal place to discuss a hymn, and learn more about how it came to be written. (And hymns do not always need to be sung. Many of them can be read with profit too.)
    Perhaps Dad or Mom could obtain enough old hymn books so each family member could have one. Family Devotions could then include a time of singing. Good books are available (such as those by Ken Osbeck) that provide interesting stories behind our hymns. Learning this information could be part of the experience too. Hymns and hymn singing should not be relegated to Sunday services!
  3. The local church must share the blame if the people are uninformed on the subject of Christian hymnody. To concentrate on the newest and latest misses centuries of rich blessing. And to always sing “something we know” does not expand the musical vocabulary of the congregation. Even worse is letting the hymnal remain in the pew, unused Sunday after Sunday, or removing the books altogether to some dusty cupboard. (See my article 77 Ideas for Promoting Hymn Singing.)
  4. Where there are Christian elementary schools and high schools, they should have a part in teaching hymns to children and young people. (I myself taught a course in hymnology to Grades 7 and 8 with profit.)
  5. Finally, there are the Bible colleges and seminaries. As one who taught in two different schools for some years, and served as the Academic Dean in one, I believe I can speak with some awareness of what takes place in these institutions.

There is a tendency–I will not say always, but often–for schools to adapt their programs, beyond the academic essentials, to what will attract the most young people to enrol as students. And music is considered one of those areas that should be tuned to contemporary youthful tastes. I’ve seen schools, almost overnight, begin to use raucous rock bands in their advertising, and blaring rock in their chapel services–even sometimes over the objections of staff members and alumni. Why? Too many times it is mainly to put more warm bodies in the desks, in order to pay the bills.

This is tragic. It amounts to an abandonment of the heritage of the church. And a failure to educate–which is the mandate of the institution. Students who graduate from such schools, after a steady diet of contemporary stuff for several years, may know of nothing better to share with the congregations to whom they will minister. Thus the problem is perpetuated. Graduates should leave these institutions thoroughly equipped and educated, not ignorant!

Let me say it as strongly as possible: If a school does not teach this subject, it is failing the church of the twenty-first century. I believe that every Bible college and seminary ought to have a course (or several courses) in Christian hymnology. It is an area that relates to music, theology, and church history, and could be covered in any or all of these departments (not to mention that of English literature).

The trend in local churches to replace the great hymns of the faith with repetitious, meaningless fluff could be reversed in four or five years, if this were done. And churches would be greatly enriched by the spiritual treasury found in the hymn book. If you have influence in any or all of the levels indicated, please do your part to awaken individuals to the need.

Ideas For Your Church: A Hymn Writer Program

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We live in a day when many churches seem to eschew the hymn book and its precious contents in favour of choruses projected on the wall. This effectively robs the younger generation of a depth of teaching no repetitious chorus can deliver. So many of our hymns are based on the deep spiritual experience of the writers. They provide a richness of reflection on the Scriptures and a language for worship that is irreplaceable.

One way to spark more interest in the use of hymns is to plan an occasional service in which the hymns of a particular author are featured. You can tell folks a little about the writer’s life, or explain the background of several hymns. You may also be able to organize the hymns around a theme, or in some logical order. Then you can add in some Scripture readings and perhaps a message on a related topic.

Fanny Crosby is a fine one to start with since so many of her hymns are found in the average hymn book, and information on her life is more easily available. However there are others to consider. Here are some suggestions, by century. From the 20th century: Charles Gabriel, Lelia Morris, John Peterson; from the 19th century: Philip Bliss, Fanny Crosby; from the 18th century: John Newton, Charles Wesley; earlier still, Isaac Watts (called the father of English hymnody because of his important contribution early on).

Check a hymn book which includes an Index of Authors and Composers and you will see a list of hymns by each of these. Then, check out the writings of Ken Osbeck for material on hymns and their authors. He has written: 101 Hymn Stories, and 101 More Hymn Stories. We talked about another significant work of Osbeck’s last week. On the Web, The Cyber Hymnal (www.hymntime.com/tch/) lists some 5,500 hymns, and often has photographs of the writers. (It will even play the tune for you, if that is unfamiliar.)

IF

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See 30+ Ideas for Promoting Hymn Singing in your church. As others have contributed ideas, this wonderful resource has grown to over 80 items now. And, for more than three dozen reasons why congregations should still use hymn books rather than merely projecting words on the wall, see The Value of Hymn Books.

Pastors and church leaders who have gone contemporary in their church music sometimes say, “But I love the old hymns…” I’m not sure what they mean by that. Perhaps, in actual practice, like the Ephesian Christians, they have “left [their] first love” (Rev. 2:4), because there seems to be little evidence of it in the services of the church

Hymn books may be stashed away in a cupboard, and services often use very few of the old songs. (And when they are used, it’s often only snatches of the original, tortured with a contemporary setting.) These church leaders may be thinking of two or three favourites they remember fondly from their childhood. But a sincere love for the traditional hymns and gospel songs will show itself day by day, and week by week. Here are a few of the ways this affection can reveal itself in the life of a pastor. (Some of them apply to other members of the congregation too.)

If I truly love the traditional hymns and gospel songs of the church…

1) I’ll use them in my personal devotions, and encourage others to do the same. If I never open a hymn book during the week, other than to pick a song or two for a service, then I don’t really love these songs.

2) I’ll see that good books on hymn history are place in the church library, and promoted. There are many of these that could help instill a broader awareness of the songs and their authors.

3) I’ll endeavour to expand my knowledge of our hymnody beyond the few that most people know. About a million have been written since Pentecost, and the Cyber Hymnal currently has over 12,000 available to read and study. (The present site has well over a thousand.)

4) I’ll see that hymns are regularly taught and used in the programs of the church that involve children and youth. The first stanza of many hymns can often stand alone, and be easily taught. (Others can be added later.) And if there’s an interesting story about the author or the writing of the hymn, this will help promote it with the young.

5) I won’t afraid to have music that is different in style and content from the world’s, but rather be glad of the distinction, and see it as spiritually healthy. The Bible calls us to a distinct separation from worldly ways and values. We’re not to sidle up as close as we possibly can to the fire without getting burned (II Cor. 6:14–7:1).

6) I’ll either choose the hymns myself, or guide the service leader in the choice, so that the hymns amplify and enhance my sermon of the day (or follow a particular theme or purpose). This practice will reinforce the basic teaching in the Bible message, and may leave folks singing and humming the truth through the week.

7) I’ll put articles in the weekly bulletin that teach about hymns and their authors. Often, the more we know about these things, the more we’re able to sing with understanding, something God’s Word exhorts us to do (Ps. 47:7; I Cor. 14:15).

8. I’ll have a service, from time to time, featuring the life of a hymn writer and his/her hymns, or hymns gathered around a particular theme (in addition to the obvious service themes of, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter). There is even a book of short dramas that can be used for this called, 52 Hymn Stories Dramatized.

9) I’ll limit the use of contemporary songs, showing the same reticence and caution some now have regarding the old hymns, with a view to helping the congregation feel more of a sense of unity with the historical church. Few in the congregation know much about church history, how we got to where we are. Knowing something of hymns drawn from the centuries since Pentecost will help with this.

10) Before each service I’ll pray not only for the impact of the sermon, but pray that those present will also grasp the meaning of the hymns (chosen for a purpose), sing them with sincerity, and learn from them. My guess is that few pastors and service leaders ever do this. But good hymns teach God’s truth, and God’s Spirit can make all more aware of what they are singing.

11) I’ll see that hymns sung in the services are not overwhelmed by loud accompaniment or a dominating beat. This is a style taken right from the world. The emphasized beat is either intended to be sensual for dancing, or at its extreme it often expresses rage and rebellion. The excessive volume is an attempt to create an overwhelming experience. Christ and the gospel of grace need none of this. In fact, it may be a distraction from the truth welcomed by the devil.

12) I’ll explore the tradition of a capella congregational singing (without instruments), and try to use it, at least once in awhile, encouraging parts singing. This can be very effective if you have enough people to support the singing, without instruments. Songs tend to be sung slower and more thoughtfully when this is done.

13) During the service I (or the service leader) will plan to point out things in the hymns we are about to sing that relate to the theme of the service, or are particularly instructive or a blessing. This should be done, not every time, but frequently. Let’s think about what we sing!

14) When I’m particularly moved by something in a hymn sung, I’ll feel compelled to speak about it in the service, tying it to a biblical truth or principle. Comments can also follow a hymn and remind the congregation of important truths.

15) I’ll occasionally ask (on the spot) for a hymn to be repeated, calling attention to key themes, so that it’s message will be made clearer and remembered better. Done occasionally, with an especially meaningful hymn, this can focus more attention on the words.

16) I’ll occasionally have a time for requests (favourites) to make sure hymns that are loved are used. Perhaps there are old hymns that are especially meaningful to members of the congregation–ones that haven’t been used for years. And if you think the person won’t mind, ask why it’s a favourite (or ask if the individual has a particular stanza that’s meaningful to them).

17) I will quote hymns in my sermons often (including ones used earlier in the service). This should be done regularly, if not every time. Many hymn texts make a wonderful way to emphasize the truth being taught.

18) I will tell relevant stories of how they were written, or stories about the authors in my sermons. These make fine sermon illustrations. Often, when preaching, I’ll tell the story of what is planned to be the closing hymn.

19) I’ll schedule occasional Hymn Sings and perhaps invite those from other churches to join us for those. (I’ve led these over the years, and they can be great times of fellowship.)

20) As I have opportunity, I’ll encourage Bible colleges to have courses on hymnology, and teach the students a significant number of the old hymns. This may be a hard sell, but it’s worth it to make the effort. To graduate pastoral students who have as little awareness of our hymnody as when they entered the school, that is a tragedy!

21) I’d check out the Wordwise Hymns link from time to time, especially 30+ Ideas for Promoting Hymn Singing. A few of the ideas have been given above, but there are many more things you can try.

Please don’t tell me you “love” the old hymns if none of the above is ever true of you. All of these things and more can help to build a love for our traditional sacred music in a congregation, for their greater spiritual enrichment. Doing nothing will leave God’s people in ignorance of this great heritage. Don’t let that happen.

Resources

Many books in my library have been used to gather information for the almanac feature of this blog. These resources span over 130 years (more, if we count reprints). Some volumes are out of print and unavailable now. And to augment the information they contain, my study over the years has also involved web searches, e-mails, letters and phone calls to dig out the facts. The Bibliography also recognizes the great help I have found at the Cyber Hymnal website–a site to which I have been an occasional contributor. Also included below is a sampling of hymnals and song books that were useful. (I have dozens more that could have been listed.)

Reference Books

Anderson, Robert, and North, Gail. Gospel Music Encyclopedia. New York: Sterling Publishing Company Incorporated, 1979.

Avery, Gordon. Companion to the Song Book of the Salvation Army. London: Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Limited, 1961.

Bailey, Albert E. The Gospel in Hymns. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1950.

Barr, Robert. Praise Ye the Lord! Toronto: Evangelical Publishers, 1949.

Barrows, Cliff, and Hustad, Donald P. Crusader Hymns. Carol Stream: Hope Publishing Company, 1966.

Baxter, Clarice, and Polk, Videt. Gospel Song Writers Biography. Dallas: Stamps-Baxter Music & Printing Company, 1971

Beattie. David J. The Romance of Sacred Song. London: Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Ltd., 1931.

Benson, Louis F. The Hymnody of the Christian Church. Richmond: John Knox Press, 1956 (reprinted from 1927).

______. Studies of Familiar Hymns (Second Series). Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1923.

Breed, David R. The History and Use of Hymns and Hymn Tunes. New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1903.

Brown, Theron, and Butterworth, Hezekiah. The Story of the Hymns and Tunes. New York, 1906 (Kindle Edition).

Christ-Janer, Albert, and Hughes, Charles W., and Smith, Carleton Sprague, American Hymns Old and New. New York: Columbia University Press, 1980

Clark, W. Thorburn. Stories of Fadeless Hymns. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1949.

Collins, Andrew (Ace). Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001.

Cottrill, Robert. Discovering the Songs of Christmas. Snellville, Georgia: Jebaire Publishing, 2009.

Cottrill, Robert. Music in the Christian Life. Pambrun, Saskatchewan: Millar College of the Bible, 1995 (published in-house, for a course of the same name).

Crafts, Wilbur Fisk. Song Victories of the Bliss and Sankey Hymns. Boston: D. Lothrop and Company, 1877.

Crosby, Frances Jane (Fanny). Memories of Eighty Years. Boston: James H. Earle and Company, 1906.

Crosby, Frances Jane (Fanny). The Treasures of Fanny Crosby. Uhrichsville, Ohio: Barbour Publishing Inc., 2003.

Dearmer, Percy, and Williams, R. Vaughan, and Shaw, Martin. The Oxford Book of Carols. London, Oxford University Press, 1928.

Duffield, Samuel Willoughby. English Hymns: Their Authors and History. New York: Funk and Wagnalls Company, 1886.

Duncan, Homer. A Compilation of 1,521 Great Songs of the Christian Faith.  Lubbock, Texas: Missionary Crusader, 1982.

Emurian, Ernest K. Famous Stories of Inspiring Hymns. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1956.

Erickson, J. Irving. Sing It Again! A Handbook on The Covenant Hymnal. Chicago: Covenant Press, 1985.

Gariepy, Henry. Songs in the Night. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996.

Gordon, T. David. Why Johnny Can’t Sing Hymns. Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P. & R. Publishing, 2010.

Guest, William. P. P. Bliss Songwriter. Belfast, Northern Ireland: Ambassador, 1877, reprinted 1997.

Hall, Jacob Henry. Biography of Gospel Song and Hymn Writers.  New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1914.

Herzel, Catherine and Frank. To Thee We Sing. Philadelphia: Muhlenberg Press, 1946.

Hopkins, Antony, forward. Colour Library Book of Great Composers. Godalming, Surrey, England: Colour Library Books Ltd., 1993.

Horder, William Garrett. The Hymn Lover: An Account of the Rise and Growth of English Hymnody. London: J. Curwen and Sons, Ltd., 1905.

Hustad, Donald P. Dictionary-Handbook to Hymns for the Living Church. Carol Stream: Hope Publishing Company, 1978.

Julian, John, ed. Dictionary of Hymnology. 2 vols. London: J. Murray, 1907. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1985 reprint).

Kavanaugh, Patrick. The Spiritual Lives of Great Composers. Nashville: Sparrow Press, 1992.

Kerr, Phil. Music in Evangelism. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1962.

King, James. Anglican Hymnology: Being an Account of the 325 Standard Hymns of the Highest Merit According to the Verdict of the Whole Anglican Church. London: Hatchards, Picadilly, 1885.

Konkel, Wilbur. Living Hymn Stories. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1971.

Lawson, John. The Wesley Hymns. Grand Rapids: Francis Asbury Press, 1987.

Long, Edwin M. Illustrated History of Hymns and Their Authors. Philadelphia: P. W. Ziegler & Company, 1876.

Lorenz, Ellen Jane. Two Hundred Hymn Stories. Dayton: Lorenz Publishing Co., 1941.

Lloyd, Norman. The Golden Encyclopedia of Music. New York: Golden Press, 1968.

Ludwig, Charles. Sankey Still Sings. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1947.

McCutchan, Robert Guy. Our Hymnody. New York: Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 1937.

Morgan, Robert J. Then Sings My Soul. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003.

Mouw, Richard J, & Noll, Mark A, eds. Wonderful Words of Life–Hymns in American Protestant History and Theology. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 2004.

Newton, John. Out of the Depths–An Autobiography. Chicago: Moody Press, reprinted letters from 1764.

Nutter, Charles S., and Wilbur F. Tillet. The Hymns and Hymn Writers of the Church. New York: Eaton and Mains Publishers, 1911.

Osbeck, Kenneth W. Amazing Grace. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1990.

______. 52 Hymn Stories Dramatized. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1992.

______. 101 More Hymn Stories. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publication, 1985.

______. Singing With Understanding. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1979.

Paine, Silas H. Stories of the Great Hymns of the Church. New York: Flexo Printing Company, 1926.

Parker, John H. Abide With Me. Green Forest, Arkansas: New Leaf Press, 2009.

Petersen, William J., and Petersen, Ardythe. Hymns. Carol Stream: Tyndale House, 2006.

Reynolds, William J. Companion to Baptist Hymnal. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1976.

______. Hymns of Our Faith. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1964.

Rizk, Helen Salem. Stories of the Christian Hymns. Nashville: Abingdon, 1964.

Rodeheaver, Homer A., Hymnal Handbook for Standard Hymns and Gospel Songs. Chicago: The Rodeheaver Company, 1931.

Rodeheaver, Homer A. Song Stories of the Sawdust Trail. New York: Moffat, Yard and Company, 1917.

Rudin, Cecilia Margaret. Stories of Hymns We Love. Chicago: John Rudin & Company Inc., 1946 (reprinted from 1934).

Ruffin, Bernard. Fanny Crosby. Westwood, New Jersey: Barbour and Company Inc., 1976.

Sankey, Ira D. My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns. Amsterdam: Fredonia Books, 2003 (reprinted from the 1907 edition).

Sanville, George W. Forty Gospel Hymn Stories. Winona Lake: The Rodheaver-Hall Mack Co., 1944.

Sellers, Ernest Orlando. Elements of Musical Notation and Conducting. Nashville, Broadman Press, 1938.

Shea, George Beverly. How Sweet the Sound.  Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale Publishing House Incorporated, 2004.

Sheppard, W. J. Limmer. Great Hymns & Their Stories. London: Lutterworth Press, 1923.

Smith, Alfred B. Al Smith’s Treasury of Hymn Histories. Grand Rapids: Dickinson Press Incorporated, 1981.

Smith, Jane Stuart, and Carlson, Betty. A Gift of Music. Westchester, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1978.

Smith, Oswald. Oswald Smith’s Hymn Stories. Winona Lake: The Rodeheaver Company, 1963.

Spencer, Donald A. Hymn and Scripture Selection Guide. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1977.

Stanley, John. Classical Music. Pleasantville, New York: Reader’s Digest, 1994.

Stebbins, George C. Reminiscences and Gospel Hymn Stories. New York: George H. Doran Company, 1924.

Telford, John. The Methodist Hymn Book Illustrated. London:  Charles H. Kingsley, 1906

Terry, Lindsay. Stories Behind Popular Songs and Hymns. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1990.

Watson, J. R., ed. An Annotated Anthology of Hymns. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.

Wells, Amos R. A Treasury of Hymn Stories. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1945.

Wiersbe, Warren W. Scriptures That Sing. Lincoln, Nebraska: Back to the Bible, 1986.

Woychuk, N. A., ed. The Poetic Interpretation of the Psalms by Isaac Watts. St. Louis: Miracle Press, 1974.

Young, Carlton R. Companion to the United Methodist Hymnal. Nashville, Abingdon Press, 1993.

Hymnals and Song Books

Biggs, Louis Coutier, ed. Hymns Ancient and Modern (facsimile of 1867 edition). LaVergne, Tennessee: Kessinger Publishing’s Legacy Reprints, 2009.

Bock, Fred, ed. Hymns for the Family of God. Nashville: Paragon Associates, Inc., 1976.

Carmichael, Ralph, ed. The New Church Hymnal. Lexicon Music, Inc., 1976.

Fettke, Tom, ed. The Celebration Hymnal. Mobile, Alabama: Word Music / Integrity Music, 1997.

Garlock, Frank, ed. Majesty Hymns. Greenville, South Carolina: Majesty Music Inc., 1997.

Gilbert, T. B. and Gilbert, Elma Doehring, ed. Choice Hymns of the Faith. Fort Dodge, Iowa: Gospel Perpetuating Fund, 1946.

Hustad, Donald P., ed. Hymns for the Living Church. Carol Stream, Illinois: Hope Publishing Company, 1974.

______. Worship and Service Hymnal. Carol Stream Illinois: Hope Publishing Company, 1957.

Newton, John, and Cowper, William. Olney Hymns, facsimile of 1779 edition. Olney, Bucks, England: The Trustees of the Cowper and Newton Museum, 1984.

Niagara, Wilmot, ed. The Book of Common Praise. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1938.

Peterson, John W., ed. Great Hymns of the Faith. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1968.

Peterson, John W., and Johnson, Norman, ed. Praise: Our Songs and Hymns. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corporation, 1981.

Rose, S. P., ed. Methodist Hymn and Tune Book. Toronto: William Briggs, 1917.

Sankey, Ira D. ed. Sacred Songs and Solos. London: Marshall, Morgan and Scott, Ltc.

Smith, Alfred B., ed. Living Hymns. Montrose, Pennsylvania: Encore Publications Inc., 1972.

Spurgeon, Charles. H., ed. Our Own Hymn Book. Pasadena, Texas: Pilgrim Publication, 1975 reprint.

Stanphill, Ira and Benson, John T., ed. Heartwarming Songs. West Palm Beach, Florida: Hymntime Publishers, 1956.

(Editors unknown) Golden Bells. London: C.S.S.M., 1931 (original publication, 1890).

(Editors unknown) Redemption Songs. Glasgow: Pickering and Inglis.

(Editors unknown) The Believers Hymn Book. London: Pickering and Inglis Ltd.

(Editors unknown) The Canadian Hymnal. Toronto: William Briggs, 1911.

A Website

Adams, Dick, ed. The Cyber Hymnal. A compilation of over 9,700 hymns, providing the words, music (audio), history, and more, of the songs. Established in 1996.