Annapolis Hymnposium

The final scheduled HymnPosium was held at Heritage Baptist Church in Annapolis, Maryland, last week. The couple dozen church musicians that attended are every bit as enthusiastic about the Celebrating Grace Hymnal project as anyone. Like other similar gatherings, they provided significant input for the hymnal committee.

Suggestions included:

• Since folk hymns and spirituals are at the heart of American hymnody, include a significant number in the book.
• Be careful of language like “gladly for aye, we adore Him.”  What does “aye” mean to today’s congregational singer?
• Offer hymns online that “don’t make the cut” for the printed hymnal.
• Include lectionary readings – all three cycles – online and keep them updated.
• Make the hymnal available to “print-on-demand.”
• Include more hymns on reconciliation, a theme Baptists have neglected.
• Provide audio accompaniments for churches that don’t have adequate accompanists

 

We have conducted more than a dozen of these events and each one has been helpful to the editors. Some changes have already been made as a result of these meetings; other adjustments are under consideration. Along with the warm fellowship, it has been interesting to see each HymnPosium gravitate toward more of a seminar than an infomercial. The nearly 300 church musicians who have gathered for these events seemed to enjoy thinking through some issues related to our common work that they don’t have the time or opportunity to think about in the weekly routine or ministry. I am glad we were able to provide that forum for them and we appreciate the insight each one has given us. Our goal, of course, is to produce a hymnal that a broad range of Baptists will find useful and edifying in worship. If you have further insight or input for us, please email us at mark.edwards@celebrating-grace.com.