Customer Reviews

The Presbyterian Hymnal (Pew Edition):Â Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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We understand that the Presbyterian Church is at the start of making a new hymnal (due to debut in 2014) to replace this one. Their theory is that every generation needs a new hymnal and if you look at the preceding hymnals (the blue or green hymnal of 1933, the maroon hymnal of 1955 and the ill-fated Worshipbook of the 70s), you see their point.

Even so, this one gets most things right and will be hard to beat.

The second half of the 20th century experienced what has been called the Hymn Explosion, and many of the best hymns of that time are represented in this book which is still called the "new" hymnal in most Presbyterian churches. There are some works that were hard to introduce to congregations that are now among their most beloved hymns represented: Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ, Here I Am Lord, etc. Fred Pratt Green, Timothy Dudley-Smith, Jane Parker Huber and Hal Hopson are all represented here, as well they ought to be.

There are also some under-utilized gems in it as well, songs like "Come O Spirit" (for Pentecost) and "God Bless Your Church" (for an anniversary) that have also found their way into other denominational hymnals.

All in all it is a great hymnal for expanding the congregations "Favorites" repertoire without being too jarring.

LindaJo McKim and company did yeoman's work in creating it. The layout is according to the liturgical year. The indexes are thorough and easy to use. The print is clear; the size is comfortable to hold while singing. There is a non-denominational version of this hymnal available too, from the publisher, for non-Presbyterian congregations who find it to their liking.

The hymnal is a decent resource, but isn't extremely useful in determining the original reading of various hymns. The older texts have been altered to reflect contemporary concerns of feminist theology, even in removing certain references to God being Father (for one example, see "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," #276, footnote). The hymns are not mangled as a general rule, but I see the irritating "alt." designation next to more older texts than not. The type is clear and the musical settings are sound, so if egalitarian/feminist theology doesn't bother you, this is a fine hymnal.

this songbook is, of course, according to what I expected, but it's less suitable for use as a songbook for piano or organ playing. It's hardbound and doesn't stay open when playing and that is very annoying.

When I made the acquisition of " The Presbyterian Hymnal" it waited only one book with the letters of the hymns, which was not my surprise to see the musical guideline in its interior when opening, not necessary to say that this book was not with me, therefore served exactly for the organista of our church.