Skip Navigation

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)

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)

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

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)

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.