Issue 31 The Golden Age of Hymns

Fascinating facts about the golden age of hymns.

Imagine a church without music.

Often overshadowed by his famous older brother, Charles Wesley has emerged as perhaps “the greatest hymnwriter of all ages.”

Radical evangelists in a radical age.

Two centuries later, what’s the secret of Charles Wesley’s undiminished popularity?

In 1700, there were precious few English hymns. In 1800, there were hymnbooks galore. What happened?

The story behind what may be the world’s best-known hymn.

How a Hebrew text and synagogue melody became a well-known Christian hymn.

The poets who put words in our mouths.

More hymnwriters who penned memorable lines we love.

Chronology of hymns and hymnwriters.

Why did colonial churches resist the first British musical invasion?

They have endured. But does their lasting popularity prove their quality?

In the furnace of slavery, a lasting musical form was forged.

The structure of slave songs.

Where did the English hymn come from?

Why the Church of England disliked hymns.

The hymnbooks of John Wesley, John Newton, and John Rippon endured for generations.

More resources on hymns and hymnwriters.

Nearly 100 years ago, two traveling strangers met by chance, never dreaming what they would start.

One man’s encounter with a Gideon Bible.