Sunday School Hymnals
A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF U.S.A METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMNALS AND SONGBOOKS 1820-1966
Kenneth E. Rowe, Drew University Theological School
A list of collections with or without music published by or for the Methodist Episcopal Church (1784-1939), the Methodist Protestant Church (1830-1939), the Methodist Episcopal Church, South (1845-1939) and the Methodist Church (1939-1968). Many collections were issued for general use, e.g. The Cokesbury Hymnal (MEC,S 1923+), The Abingdon Hymnal (MEC 1928+), Abingdon Song Book (MEC 1938+) and Upper Room Hymns (MC 1942+).
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (1784-1939) |
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1822 |
Hymns for Young Persons and Children on the Principal Truths and Duties of Religion and Morality, by Joseph Benson. (New York : Published by N. Bangs and T. Mason for the Methodist Episcopal Church) Adapted from Benson's Hymns for Children & Young Persons, on the Principal Truths and Duties of Religion and Morality published for the Wesleyan Methodist Church in London in 1806. (London : Printed by George Story, sold by R. Lomas at the Book-Room, New-Chapel, City Road, also at the Methodist Preaching Houses in Town and Country) MEC reissued four printings of Benson’s hymnal through 1827. |
1827 |
A Collection of Hymns for use of Wesleyan Methodist Sunday Schools, edited by Thomas Jackson and Richard Watson. (London: John Mason, 1827). Reprinted in London 1836 and 1844. May have influenced American collections)] |
1832 |
Selection of Hymns for the Sunday School Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church. (New York : Published by B. Waugh and T. Mason for the Methodist Episcopal Church) Possibly based in part on Watson’s 1827 collection. |
1837 |
Hymns Composed for the use of Sunday Schools and Youthful Christians , by Joseph Rusling. (Philadelphia : J. Van Court). With MEC executive John P. Durbin imprimatur. 2d edition/printing, 1838. |
1841 |
Hymns for Sunday-Schools Preface signed S. B. W. (New York: Published by Lane & Tippett for the Sunday school Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church) |
1849 |
Hymns for Sunday-Schools, Youth and Children , compiled by the editor of Sunday School publications [Daniel P. Kidder] (New York : Published by Lane & Scott for the Sunday-school Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church) Designed as supplement the new official hymnal; also issued separately the same year. |
1849 |
The Sunday-School Harmonist; A Collection of Tunes for Anniversary Occasions and General Use in Sabbath-Schools . Musical editor, Charles Dingley. New York : Published by Lane & Scott for the Sunday-School Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church) |
1854 |
Hymns for Sunday-Schools, Youth and Children, compiled by the editor ofSunday School publications, Daniel P. Kidder (New York : Carlton & Phillips); "contains all the Sunday-school hymns now to be found in our standard Church Hymn-Book and Supplement (1849); also, a selection of more than one hundred of the best standard devotional hymns, reprinted from the Church Hymn-Book. Beyond this, the hymns are from other and numerous sources." 8 cents a copy or $1 a dozen! |
1856 |
Methodist Social Hymn Book , compiled by Stephen Parks, with an editor's foreword by Jesse T. Peck. (New York: Carlton & Porter for the Tract Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church). |
1856 |
New Sunday-School Harmonist . New York : Carlton & Porter, [between 1856 and 1868] |
1862 |
Early Blossoms: A Collection of Music for Sabbath Schools by Philip Phillips. (Cincinnati :John Church, Jr.) |
1862 |
Musical Leaves for Sabbath Schools , by Philip Phillips. (Cincinnati : Philip Phillips). 13th edition, enlarged 1865 Musical Leaves Nos. 1-4 plus 100 popular hymns. |
1862 |
Songs for Little Folks : A Collection adapted for the Home Circle or Primary Classes in Sunday Schools and Day Schools, containing also a number of carefully selected Kindergarten Songs , edited by Mrs. W. P. Crafts [Sara Jane Timanus Crafts] and Miss J. B. Merrill. (Chicago : Biglow and Main, 1862). Documented reprintings Chicago : Biglow and Main, 1875, 1881, and 1882. |
1864 |
Sweet Singer: A Collection of Hymns and Tunes for Sunday-Schools, Together with a variety suitable for Day-Schools, Revival Occasions, and the Family Circle , by Karl Reden and S. J. Goodenough. (New York : Carlton & Porter) |
1865 |
Hallowed Songs, A Collection of the most Popular Hymns and Tunes both Old and New Designed for Prayer and Social Meetings, Revivals, Family Worship and Sabbath Schools , by Theo. E. Perkins, Philip Phillips, and Sylvester Main. (New York : Philip Phillips) Reissued New York: Carlton & Porter; Cincinnati: Poe & Hitchcock, 1866) Revised edition, 1871 by Phillips only. |
1866 |
The Singing Pilgrim : or, Pilgrim's Progress Illustrated in Song for the Sabbath School, Church, and Family by Philip Phillips. (New York : Philip Phillips; Cincinnati : Hitchcock & Walden) |
1866 |
Sunday School Hymns and Revival Choruses [compiled by Joseph Hillman]. (New York : W. B. Bradbury) |
1868 |
Revival, Camp Meeting, Sabbath School, Social and Prayer Meeting Hymns . Compiled by Andrew Manship. (Philadelphia : Methodist Episcopal Book Room). Revision of The Patriot's Hymn Book which Manship published in 1862 "for the spiritual benefit of soldiers." Centennial edition 1876. |
1869 |
New Complete Standard Singer for Sabbath Schools, Public Worship and Special Services , by Philip Phillips. (New York: Philip Phillips & Co.) |
1872 |
Song Life for Sunday Schools, Etc. Illustrating in Song the Journey of Christiana and her children to the Celestial City , by Philip Phillips. (New York : Harper & Brothers) |
1873 |
Bible School Songs for the use of Sunday-Schools , prepared by Mrs. J. F. Knapp and J. H. Vincent. (New York : Nelson & Phillips; Cincinnati : Hitchcock & Walden) |
1873 |
A Tribute of Praise : A Collection of Hymns and Tunes for Public and Social Worship, and for use in the Family Circle and Sabbath School , edited by Eben Tourjee. (New York : Nelson & Phillips; Cincinnati : Hitchcock & Walden) |
1875 |
Lesser Hymnal : A Collection of Hymns for the Sunday School and Social Worship, selected chiefly from the standard hymn-book of the Methodist Episcopal Church , edited by Eben Tourjee and Henry W. Warren. (Cincinnati : Hitchcock & Walden; New York : Nelson & Phillips) |
1876 |
Revival, Camp Meeting, Sabbath School, Social and Prayer Meeting Hymns . Compiled by Andrew Manship. (Philadelphia : MEC Book Room) |
1877 |
Jasper and Gold : A Choice Collection of Song-Gems for Sunday-Schools, Social Meetings, and Times of Refreshment . By T. C. O Kane (Cincinnati : Walden & Stowe; New York : Phillips & Hunt) |
1881 |
Redeemer's Praise for the Sunday-School, Church and Family ,by T. C. O'Kane (Cincinnati : Walden & Stowe; New York ; Phillips & Hunt) |
1882 |
Our Glad Hosanna for the Service of Song in the Sunday School, the Social Gathering, and the Prayer Meeting . by Robert Lowry and W. Howard Doane, selected by James M. Buckley. (New York : Phillips & Hunt; Cincinnati : Walden & Stowe) |
1883 |
Little Pilgrim Songs for Primary Classes and Singing in the Home, A New Collection of Sacred and Secular Songs (including Motion Songs) Together with a Number of Services for Anniversary Occasions , arranged by Mrs. Craft and Hubert P. Main. (New York & Chicago : Biglow & Main). |
1885 |
Epworth Hymns No. 1 , edited by John Vincent. (New York : Phillips & Hunt; Cincinnati : Cranston & Stowe) |
1890 |
Finest of the Wheat [No. 1] : Hymns New and Old for Missionary and Revival Meetings, and Sabbath-Schools , edited by George D. Elderkin. (Chicago : R. R. McCabe & Co.) 73 documented printings |
1890 |
Morning Stars; A Collection of Sacred Hymns and Tunes for Sunday-Schools and other Religious Organizations , by T. C. O'Kane. (Cincinnati : Cranston & Stowe; New York ; Hunt & Eaton) |
1891 |
Epworth Hymnal No. 2 , edited by Jesse L. Hurlbut. (New York: Hunt & Eaton; Cincinnati : Cranston & Curts) |
1891 |
Junior League Songster, containing songs for devotional services, social entertainments, and anniversary occasions edited by S. V. R. Ford. (New York : Hunt & Eaton: Cincinnati: Cranston & Stowe) |
1891 |
Melodies for Little People, Containing also One Hundred Recitations for Sunday-Schools, Anniversary Occasions, Concerts , Entertainments, and Sociables, with songs adapted to the Home Circle and Social Meetings , by S. V. R. Ford. (New York : Hunt & Eaton; Cincinnati : Cranston & Stowe) |
1893 |
Epworth Songs, for use in the Epworth League, the Junior League, the Sunday-school, and in Social Services . Published by authority of the Board of Control [of the Epworth League], edited by Joseph F. Berry and Charles H. Gabriel. (Cincinnati : Cranston & Curts; New York : Hunt & Eaton) |
1894 |
Finest of the Wheat No. 2 : Hymns New and Old for Missionary and Revival Meetings and Sabbath schools , edited by George D. Elderkin. (Chicago : R. R. McCabe) 48 documented reprintings. |
1894 |
Imperial Songs for Sunday Schools, Social Meetings, Epworth Leagues, Revival Services ., edited by Jesse L. Hurlbut and Stephen V. R. Ford. (New York : Hunt & Eaton; Cincinnati ; Cranston & Curts) |
1894 |
Die Perle : Sang und Klang für Sonntagschulen und Jugendvereine , redigert von H. Liebhart. (Cincinnati : Cranston & Curts; New York : Hunt & Eaton) |
1894 |
Songs of the Soul [no. 1], for use in Sunday Evening Congregations, Revivals, Camp-Meetings, Social Services and Young People's Meetings . Edited by Joseph F. Berry and James M. Black. (Cincinnati : Cranston & Curts; New York: Hunt & Eaton, c1894.) Reprinted 1895 and 1896. |
1895 |
The Junior Hymnal , edited by Edwin A. Schell. (New York : Hunt & Eaton; Cincinnati ; Cranston & Curts) |
1896 |
Songs of the Soul No. 2, for use in Sunday Evening Congregations, Revivals, Camp-meetings, Social Services and Young People's Gatherings , by James M. Black. (Cincinnati : Curts & Jennings; New York : Eaton & Mains) |
1897 |
Songs for Young People , edited by Edwin O. Excell. (Cincinnati: Curts & Jennings; New York : Eaton & Mains) |
1898 |
The Chorus of Praise, for use in Sunday Schools, Young People's Meetings, Revivals, Prayer Meetings, and all the Social Services of the Church by James M. Black. (New York : Eaton & Mains; Cincinnati : Curts & Jennings) |
1899 |
The Gospel Hymnal for Sunday School and Church Work , by Edwin O. Excell. (Cincinnati : Curts & Jennings; New York : Eaton & Mains) |
1899 |
Services of Song and Response for Sunday Schools of the Methodist Episcopal Church . (New York : Eaton & Mains; Cicnnnnati : Curts & Jennings) |
1900 |
Epworth Hymnal No. 3 , edited by James M. Black. (New York :Eaton & Mains; Cincinnati: Jennings & Pye) |
1901 |
Junior Praises for use in Junior Societies and on Special Occasions, by James M. Black. (Cincinnati : Jennings & Pye; New York ; Eaton & Mains) |
1902 |
The Gospel Chorus for use in Prayer Meetings, Young People's Societies and Revivals . by James M. Black. (New York : Eaton & Mains; Cincinnati : Jennings & Pye) |
1904 |
Finest of the Wheat no. 3, For Prayer Meetings and Evangelistic, Church and MissionaryServices, Sunday Schools and Young People's Societies , edited by George D. Elderkin, C. C. McCabe, Wm. J., Kirkpatrick [and others]. (Chicago : Geo. D. Elderkin) |
1906 |
Songs of Faith and Hope [no. 1] ,by James M.Black.(Cincinnati :Jennings & Graham, New York : Eaton & Mains) |
1909 |
Epworth Praises, A Collection of Popular Sacred Songs New andOld , compiled for the Epworth Leagues of the MEC, MEC, South and Methodist Church of Canada. Charles H. Gabriel, musical editor. (New York, Cincinnati : Methodist Book Concern) |
1909 |
Songs of Faith and Hope No. 2, by James M. Black.(Cincinnati : Jennings & Graham; New York : Eaton & Mains) |
1911 |
Methodist Sunday School Hymnal , edited by John R. Van Pelt and Peter C. Lutkin. (New York : Eaton & Mains; Cincinnati: Jennings & Graham) |
1912 |
Sacred Praise ; for use in Gospel Meetings, Evangelistic Services, Sunday Schools, Prayer Meetings and Young People's Societies , by James M. Black. (Cincinnati : Jennings & Graham) |
1914 |
New Junior Songs for use in Junior Societies and on Special Occasions by James M. Black. (New York : Methodist Book Concern, 1914). Reissued until 1942. |
1915 |
The Junior Methodist Hymnal , edited by Emma A. Robinson. (New York, Cincinnati:Methodist Book Concern, 1915). Reprinted 1923, 1925, 1926. |
1917 |
Songs of Help for the Sunday School, Evangelistic and Church Services , by James M. Black. (New York : Abingdon Press) |
1921 |
Songs for the Little Child , verses compose by Clara Belle Baker; harmonized by Caroline Kohlsaat. (New York, Cincinnati : Abingdon Press) 1921. Reprinted 1922, 1929, 1936 and 1938. |
1922 |
A First Book in Hymns and Worship , edited by Edith L. Thomas. (New York, Cincinnati: Abingdon Press, 1922). |
1923 |
Services and Songs for use in the Junior Department of the Church School , edited by Josephine L. Baldwin. (New York, Cincinnati: Abingdon Press, 1923.) Reprinted 1926. |
1928 |
Abingdon Hymnal; a Book of Worship for Youth , edited by Earl E. Harper. (New York : Abingdon Press) |
1935 |
Singing Worship with Boys and Girls , edited by Edith Lovell Thomas. (New York, Cincinnati: Abingdon Press, 1935) |
1938 |
Abingdon Song Book , edited by Charles C. Washburn. (New York : Abingdon Press) |
1939 |
Sing, Children, Sing : Songs forChildren , edited by Edith Lovell Thomas. (New York, Cincinnati: Abingdon Press,). |
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH (1830-1939) |
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1843 |
Revival Hymns, Designed for Protracted, Camp, Prayer and Social Meetings: with a supplement containing Hymns for the use of Sabbath Schools , compiled by Luther J. Cox, Josiah Varden and Charles W. Ridgley. (Baltimore: Book Committee of the Methodist Protestant Church) |
1901 |
New Songs of the Gospel for use in All Religious Meetings , compiled and edited by C. Austin miles and Maurice A. Clifton, with a supplement by J. Sala Leland. (Pittsburgh, PA: Methodist Protestant Board of Publication) |
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH (1845-1939 |
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1853 |
Hymns for Schools and Families, specially designed for the Children of the Church , edited byThomas O. Summers (Richmond and Louisville, Published by John Early for the Methodist Episcopal Church, South). 2d edition, revised, Nashville: published by E. Stevenson & F. A. Owen for the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 1855. |
1871 |
The Amaranth: A Book of Songs, Hymns, Anthems, Chants and Concert Pieces for the Sunday-School, with Occasional Pieces for the Choir , edited by Atticus Greene Haygood and Rigdon M. McIntosh. (Nashville : A. H. Redford for the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 1871.) Reprinted 1873, 1879 & 1887. |
1872 |
The Emerald, A Book of Songs, Hymns, Anthems, Chants, and Concert Pieces for the Sunday-School, with occasional pieces for the Choir , edited by Atticus G. Haygood and R. M. McIntosh. (Nashville : A. H. Redford for the Methodist Episcopal Church, South). Revised by W. G. E. Cunnyngham in 1881 and reprinted in 1894 & 1898) |
1873 |
The Gem: A Book of Songs and Tunes for the Sunday School; with Occasional Pieces for the Choir , edited by Atticus G. Haygood and Rigdon M. McIntosh. (Nashville : A. H. Redford, agent, for the M.E. Church, South) |
1879 |
New Life; or Songs and Tunes for Sunday-Schools, Prayer Meetings and Revival Occasions , by R. M. McIntosh and W. G. E. Cunnyngham. (Nashville : Southern Methodist Publishing House) |
1882 |
Grace and Glory : A Choice Collection of Sacred Songs Original and Selected for Sabbath-Schools, Revivals, etc. , compiled by D. E. Dortch, edited by W. G. E. Cunnyngham. (Nashville : Southern Methodist Publishing House) |
1885 |
New life; or, Songs and Tunes for Sunday-Schools, Prayer Meetings, and Revival Occasions , by R. M. McIntosh and W.G. E. Cunnyngham. (Nashville: Southern Methodist Publishing House) Reissued 1888 and 1919 by Publishing House of the M.E. Church, South. |
1891 |
New Life No. 2; for Sunday Schools, Prayer Meetings, and Revival Occasions , edited by R. M. McIntosh and W. G. E. Cunnyngham. (Nashville: Publishing House of the M.E. Church, South). |
1892 |
Living Songs for the Sunday School, The Epworth League, Prayer Meetings, Revivals and all special occasions of Christian Work and Worship , edited by W. G. E. Cunnyngham and R. M. McIntosh. (Nashville : Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South) |
1897 |
Young People's Hymnal [no. 1], adapted to the use of Sunday Schools, Epworth Leagues, Prayer Meetings, and Revivals , edited by W. D. Kirkland, James Atkins, and William J. Kirkpatrick (Nashville : Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South) |
1901 |
Young People's Hymnal No. 2, adapted to the use of Sunday Schools, Epworth Leagues, Prayer Meetings, and Revivals , by James Atkins and William J. Kirkpatrick.(Nashville : Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South) |
1905 |
Young People's Hymnal No. 3, adapted to the use of Sunday Schools, Epworth leagues, Prayer Meetings, and Revivals , edited by James Atkins and William J. Kirkpatrick. (Nashville : Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South) |
1912 |
Songs of Praise and Service, A Collection of Sacred Songs for the Sunday School and Young People's Meetings , edited by E. B. Chappell, music editor, William J. Kirkpatrick. (Nashville : Smith & Lamar, Department of Sunday School Supplies) |
1914 |
Sunday School Melodies, A Collection of New and Standard Hymns for the Sunday School , edited by I. H. Meredith and Grant Colfax Tullar. (Nashville : Smith and Lamar) |
1916 |
The Little Hymn Book, A Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs for All Services , edited by John N. Moore. (Nashville: Publishing House Methodist Episcopal Church, South) Reissued 1920. |
1918 |
Worship in Song : A Hymnal for the Church, the Sunday-School and All Religious Services , edited by Edwin O. Excell and W. C. Everett. (Nashville : Publishing House of the M.E.C., South) |
1921 |
Songs for the Sunday School , edited by E. B. Chappell; compiled by E. Hightower, E. E. French, Mary Alice Jones, Samuel W. Beazley, music editor. (Nashville : Smith & Lamar, Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South) |
1923 |
Cokesbury Hymnal, for General Use in Religious Meetings , Music editor, Harold H. Todd. (Nashville : Cokesbury Press) |
1928 |
New Cokesbury Hymnal, for General Use in Religious Meetings , edited by Charles C. Washburn. (Nashville : Cokesbury Press) |
1938 |
Cokesbury Worship Hymnal , edited by C. A Bowen. (Nashville: Cokesbury Press) |
1939 |
Cokesbury Worship Hymnal , orchestration by Robert. H. Just. (Nashville : Cokesbury Press) |
METHODIST CHURCH (1939-1968) |
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1940 |
Cokesbury Hymnal , edited by C. A. Bowen. (New York: Abingdon-Cokesbury Press) |
1942 |
Upper Room Hymns , compiled by Harry Denman and Grover C. Emmons; Music editor, George Sanville. (New York, Nashville : Abingdon-Cokesbury Press) |
1966 |
Cokesbury Worship Hymnal. (Nashville, New York: Abingdon Press). Reprint of 1938 MEC edition. |