From the Organist & Choirmaster

What is your favorite hymn? It may seem like a simple question, but to me it is anything but the sort. My favorite hymn changes from day to day, there is such a plethora of great hymnody. I’m partial to our 1982 Hymnal as I believe it takes a great position on including ancient hymnody alongside modern ones as well, it’s also the hymnal that I spend the most time with. I’ve come to love it beyond ways I can express in short conversation.

Hymns have several things that make them hymns, above all there is Holy Scripture, God’s word to God’s people, some hymns are simply Biblical texts set to music. Most are paraphrases of Scripture, “Take up your cross, the Savior said,” “The Angel Gabriel from heaven came,” “God is love, and where true love is,” and so many more. Some are ancient liturgical texts for specific moments in our liturgical life, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” “Creator of the stars of night,” “Of the Father’s love begotten,” “Now my tongue, the mystery telling,” “Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire.” Some are poetry from English and American scholars, you can find names like Newman, Dearmer, Donne, Anna Barbauld, many Wesleys, and more.

I’m interested to hear what your favorite hymns are. My first question to the choir when I arrived was “what is your favorite hymn and why?” It sparked a great conversations and rekindling of memories from different members. Each time we sing one of the hymns the choir has told me they loved, I always think about that person and hold their memories they shared with me while we sing it.

If you’d like, fill out the google form that is attached at the bottom of this, so I can learn more about your favorite hymns and why you deem them such! You may even hear it soon!