Hymn Study
The study of Hymns conveys to us not only the individual's view of God and man, but also, if Biblically accurate, they teach us in a powerful way about our God and our relationship to Him. The Mr. Pipes series is our favorite 'real book' resource for hymn study. We've also used 101 Hymn stories and hope to get the Hymns for a Kid's Heart series.
Recently I found a website, Songs and Hymns.org, that we will use to supplement these books. And now a few more sites. They are listed in the blog entry linked below.
Read more about our Hymn Studies in this blog entry.
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Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers
By Douglas Bond / Christian Liberty Press
Young teenagers who love adventure and the Christian faith will enjoy reading this fictional account of two young Americans who are on vacation in England. These young people wind up learning a great deal about famous British hymn writers as they are befriended by an elderly gentleman called Mr. Pipes. They also learn a lot about the value of traditional worship and praise. (Includes hymn texts and music notation). |
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Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation
By Douglas Bond / Christian Liberty Press
Follow Mr. Pipes throughout Europe as he accompanies his two young American friends on a tour of the famous hymn writers. Examining the significance of worship and the godly traditions they're built upon, this book aims to rekindle a genuine interest in the traditional hymns of the faith. 240 pages, softcover. Grades 7-10. |
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Mr. Pipes Comes to America
By Douglas Bond / Christian Liberty Press
Cultivate a love of traditional hymns in your young believers as they follow Mr. Pipes from his cozy English cottage to America! From Plymouth to Amesbury, Princeton to Boston, Mr. Pipes leads Annie and Drew on a delightful historical adventure, teaching them about the lives and music of John Eliot, Phillips Brooks, John Greenleaf Whittier, and other great hymn writers. Includes music and lyrics. 194 pages, softcover. |
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The Accidental Voyage: Discovering Hymns of the Early Centuries
By Douglas Bond / P & R Publishing
Get ready for a great story about two American teens traveling in Europe with David McCallum, an English organist known in his parish as Mr. Pipes. During a series of hair-raising adventures across Europe, Mr. Pipes introduces Annie and Drew to sixteen hymns from the early centuries, and to hymnists Ambrose of Milan, Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Francis of Asissi, St. Patrick, and more. |
See the complete Mr. Pipes series here.
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Hymns & History - DVD
Very nice presentation of hymns in the context of history, from the 1st Century to Martin Luther. This one is from Vision Forum.
Narrated by George Sarris, and featuring musical performances by Charlie Zahm, Amy Salter-Rutherford, and others, this beautiful new documentary explores the origins of four great hymns of the faith: Be Thou My Vision, O Sacred Head Now Wounded, All Creatures of our God and King, and A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.
Beginning in the first century A.D., and continuing through the Protestant Reformation, discover the historical contexts and settings in which each hymn was penned, as well as the influence the have had in the Church throughout the generations. Plus, examine the lives and legacies of the figures commonly associated with these hymns. |
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Great Christian Hymn Writers
By Jane Smith / Crossway Books & Bibles
Nothing lifts your heart like a great hymn! Now you can meet the writers behind the hymns and learn how their faith grew as the Lord met their needs through difficult circumstances. Hymns include "Amazing Grace," "Nearer My God to Thee," "Like a River Glorious," and nearly 100 more. A great worship and homeschooling resource. 224 pages, softcover from Crossway Books.
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Abide With Me: The Stories and Sites of the Great British Hymns
By Dr. John Parker & Paul Seawright / New Leaf Press
We don't own this one YET, but based on reading a preview, AND my trust of both the author and the publisher, I know we'll love it, and so will you. Beautiful coffee table edition.
Combining internationally acclaimed Paul Seawright's breathtaking photographs and John Parker's descriptive text, Abide with Me is a gorgeous collection of images from the sites, sounds, and history that gave birth to some of Christianity's most poignant and revered hymns. You are familiar with these songs, but do you know:
- The hymn specially written for a sister's wedding in 30 minutes
- The privileged poet and hymnist who would die ministering in India
- The first British hymn ever written and its original language
- The song of comfort written by the daughter of a newspaper editor; a song associated with the funerals of three American presidents
In the past 300 years, no other collection of poetry and music has been voiced or loved as consistently as have British hymns. Every week during those centuries, worshippers in churches throughout Britian, Europe, and America have read and sung such verses as "Rock of Ages" and "Abide with Me." Whether celebrations of joy or in times of sadness, these hymns have become staples of our culture, and this book will become a classic family favorite as well.
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101 Hymn Stories
By Kenneth W. Osbeck / Kregel Publications
101 Hymns Stories is a thrilling collection of the stories behind your favorite hymns. The exciting events which produced these classic expressions of praise are brought to life in vivid, inspiring detail. Both classical and contemporary hymns are presented and each story includes a copy of the hymn itself. This book will revitalize your worship through song and can be used for personal or family devotional reading, sermon illustrations, bulletin inserts, and introducing congregational hymns. Paperback. |
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101 More Hymn Stories
By Kenneth W. Osbeck / Kregel Publications
101 More Hymn Stories by Osbeck is a companion volume to 101 Hymn Stories, and is a thrilling collection of the stories behind your favorite hymns. The exciting events which produced these classic expressions of praise are brought to life in vivid detail. Each story includes a copy of the hymn itself. This book will revitalize your worship through song and can be used for personal devotional reading, sermon illustrations, bulletin inserts, and more. |
Mr. Osbeck has several other books about Hymns, too, such as this one that I don't have.
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Amazing Grace, Gift Edition
By Kenneth W. Osbeck / Kregel Publications
This unique gift book will be the highlight of this year's gift season and beyond! This colorful illustrated edition includes 28 of the most popular hymn stories. Readers will be encouraged by the greatness of God, the depths of His grace, and the heights of His love as they read the real-life experiences that inspired the writing of these treasured hymns. A beautifully designed collection to be treasured by all ages for a lifetime.
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Hymns for a Kid's Heart, Volume 1, Hardcover with CD
By Bobbie Wolgemuth & Joni Eareckson Tada / Crossway Books & Bibles
Share a rich heritage of God-honoring music with the next generation! Wolgemuth and Eareckson Tada help you introduce your children to 12 of your favorite hymns. Featuring verses, simple guitar/piano music, Scriptures, prayers, and inspirational accounts about the hymn-writer, it also includes a CD so the whole family can sing along. 96 pages, hardcover from Crossway Books. |
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Hymns for a Kid's Heart, Volume 2, Book and CD
By Bobbie Wolgemuth & Joni Eareckson Tada / Crossway Books & Bibles
Bestow a rich heritage of God-honoring music upon the next generation! Introduce your children to 12 beloved hymns, including "Fairest Lord Jesus" and "To God Be the Glory." Featuring verses, simple guitar/piano music, Scriptures, prayers, and inspirational accounts about the hymn-writers, it also includes a CD so the whole family can sing along! 96 pages, hardcover from Crossway Books. |
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Christmas Carols for a Kid's Heart: Hymns for a Kid's Heart, Volume 3
By Bobbie Wolgemuth / Crossway Books & Bibles
In this third volume of Hymns for a Kid's Heart, Joni Eareckson Tada and Bobbie Wolgemuth offer 12 of their favorite Christmas carols for children to cherish. This treasure book will give your children a special vision of the true meaning of Christmas. With music, true stories, prayers, and Scripture, Christmas Carols for a Kid's Heart will feed your child's soul during the Christmas season. This book includes a fully orchestrated CD with children's voices singing along with Joni and Bobbie and simple piano music with guitar cords. Recommended for ages 5 and up. |
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Passion Hymns for a Kid's Heart with CD
By Joni Eareckson Tada / Crossway Books & Bibles
In this fourth volume of Hymns for a Kid's Heart, you have everything you need to help you teach 12 classic Passion hymns and the meaning of the cross of Christ to the children you love. These God-honoring hymns about Jesus' death and resurrection, include "Nothing but the Blood," "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today," and "Crown Him with Many Crowns." With richly orchestrated music, true stories, prayers, and Scripture, Passion Hymns for a Kid's Heart will feed your child's soul. Includes a fully orchestrated CD with children's voices singing along with Joni and Bobbie, and simple piano music with guitar chords, lyrics, and inspirational accounts about the writers. This hardcover book has 96 pages, and is recommended for ages 3 to 13. |
2 more by Joni that come with CD, for adults. I haven't read these ones yet.
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What Wondrous Love Is This: Hymns of Wonder and Worship to Remember His Love--Book & CD
By Joni Eareckson Tada / Crossway Books & Bibles
Christ's death on the cross was a monumental sacrifice that causes us to ask "And Can It Be?" Take an uplifting look at 12 Easter hymns---their history, biblical framework, and spiritual truths. While you're reading, listen to each hymn on the companion CD and draw "Near the Cross" with this musical devotional. 128 pages, hardcover from Crossway Books.
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When Morning Gilds the Skies, Book and CD
By J.E. Tada / Crossway Books & Bibles
A treasury of great hymns of the Christian faith has been compiled into an exquisite gift book, withemphasis on hymns of heaven and our eternal home. From the rich cover art, through each elegant page, to the sheet music at the back, this is a treasure of comfort and hope. Stories of each of 12 hymns are included with listening CD included. Consider this a thoughtful gift for the musician, for a hurting friend, or for the bereaved.
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All Glory, Laud & Honor CD
By Answers In Genesis
Good collection of 17 centuries of hymns, whether you are using Diana Waring's history course or not.
Exalt our God with the music of the ages! Designed for use with Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries (history curriculum) or for family worship, this CD offers a glorious collection of hymns from the early church to the Great Awakening. Includes "Lord Jesus, Think on Me"; "Amazing Grace"; and more. |
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