American Hymnody Collection

The J.S. Mack Library is proud to be the home of an American Hymnody Collection. This historic collection traces the development of hymnody in America from colonial days to the present. The collection consists of hymnals used in the United States, not all of which were published here. Many of the hymnals used in American congregational song were brought here by immigrants.

The collection began in 1995 shortly after the University purchased an initial group of older American hymnals and songbooks. Faculty in the Sacred Music department suggested that this could be the beginning of a unique collection that would preserve an important part of Christian history. In addition, it would serve as a tremendous resource for students, faculty, and scholars.

Since then, donations have been received from all across the country, as well as from foreign countries, to help expand the collection. The collection currently numbers about 700 titles and spans 1739-1997.

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Collection call number: SPC 782.22 Am35

Please select which time period of hymns you would like to view.

Hymns by Collection

1700's 1800-1820 1900-1920
1821-1840 1921-1940
1841-1860 1941-1960
1861-1880 1961-2000
1881-1899

In consultation with Prof. Fred Coleman, the Library is continuing to build the collection. Donations are welcome; contact the Library or Prof. Coleman.

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