Extracts from Assembly Reports and Minutes of the Congregational Union of England & Wales, from copies of the Annual Year Books in Dr Williams's Library, London.
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Reports reproduced here (note: the "year" is the cover year of the Year Book containing the reports, which - from 1853 onwards - relate to the May Assembly of the previous calendar year and to the twelve months ended at that Assembly date). "CYB" here = Congregational Year Book.
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CYB 1856 p.23 (Annual Assembly, May 1855)
Report of the Committee on the Proposed New Hymn Book.
The Committee of the Congregational Union having been earnestly requested by many friends of the Denomination to undertake the preparation of a new Hymn Book, which should include such versions of the Psalms, and such Hymns of Dr. Watts and others, as may be deemed the most suitable for the public worship of Congregational churches, remitted the full consideration of the question to a Sub-committee, with an instruction to report on the desirableness, or otherwise, of their committing themselves to this work. The Sub-committee having met, and deliberately and fully considered the whole question submitted to them, unanimously returned a Report in which they said :--
"In the judgment of your Sub-committee it appears, on many accounts, most desirable that the Committee of the Union should adopt preparatory measures, with a view to secure the approbation of the next Annual Assembly of the design which has been proposed of compiling and publishing a New Congregational Hymn Book, intended to meet the views and wants of those churches who would prefer one comprehensive book, rather than the employing of Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns, with an Appendix or Supplement, such as the existing Congregational Hymn Book."In the opinion of your Committee, there is a rapidly-increasing feeling obtaining in the Congregational Churches of this country in favour of one book rather than two. There are many cases in which week-day services are held in school rooms or lecture rooms, and in which it is almost impossible to employ more than one book; and in many congregations, where two are still used, the confusion it entails, especially on strangers coming to our places of worship, and even on many persons who are regular worshippers, is so great, that much readiness has been evinced, on the part of many pastors and churches, to employ one collection which may meet all the requirements of social and public worship.
"Your Committee are of opinion, that there are ample materials within reach for the construction of such a Hymn Book of unexampled excellence; one which, by its commanding worth and superiority, would commend itself to many congregations who are looking out for such a compilation, and are only waiting to meet with it in order to effect the change. The multiplication of new congregations in London and the provinces, by means of our Chapel-building Associations, and by local efforts independently put forth, presents new openings and facilities for the introduction of such a book; the income derived from its sale would tend to increase the funds placed at the disposal of the Union for benevolent purposes; and the accomplishment of the work may, in various ways, promote the cause of evangelical truth and holiness in the churches of our faith and order.
"This work, if undertaken, will not, it is thought, interfere at all, at present, with the Congregational Hymn Book, the sale of which continues to be large and productive. The congregations now employing it will, in all probability, continue its use. A considerable number of churches will, most likely, always prefer to use Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns entire; to these your existing book will continue to supply a Supplement of great worth; and to others it will be increasingly endeared by association, and by the recollection of spiritual edification derived from its use.
"Admitting this undertaking to be desirable, the present time appears to the Committee to be a suitable one for effecting it. There are persons competent to the task, who are willing cheerfully to aid in the work; and the financial condition of the publishing department of the Union is in such a state, that it may be undertaken without producing any embarrassment or derangement in your monetary affairs.
"Your Committee do not venture to present, in any detailed form, their ideas of the specific character which this book should possess, and they will content themselves with observing, that it ought to include all the Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts which are proper for Congregational worship; that no inferior productions of modern times should find a place in it; but that it should contain all the best Hymns in the English language, having pre-eminent regard to those which are adapted to awaken and nourish spiritual life. They further think, that no time, labour, or expense should be spared in the production of a work which yields in importance to none which the Committee can undertake, and the influence of which cannot fail to be great on the present and future prosperity and unity of Congregational churches.
"They think that the work should be entrusted to ten or twelve brethren resident in London, who, with the officers of the Union, shall be responsible for its accomplishment; and that they should be aided by a corresponding Committee in the country, from whom valuable assistance may be expected."
The Committee of the Union approved this Report, and agreed to print it for extensive circulation in the Congregational Denomination, with a request that the persons to whom it was sent would kindly favour the Committee with an opinion on the design, and in the event of their approving it, to offer any suggestions they might think proper in relation to the construction of such a work.
To this circular upwards of 500 answers were returned, which have been carefully analysed by the Sub-committee to whom the further consideration of the subject has been referred, and by whom the following results have been ascertained :--
|
Those who have no opinion to offer . . . |
22 |
|
Those who disapprove . . . |
23 |
|
Those who are doubtful . . . |
21 |
|
Those who think some existing Hymn Book might be purchased, or be made the basis of the proposed work . . . |
23 |
|
Those who cordially approve the design . . . |
413 |
|
502 |
From several gentlemen who thus approve the undertaking, a great number of most valuable suggestions have been offered for the guidance of the Committee in constructing this book, for which they present their best thanks.
Your Committee, while fully aware of the grave responsibility of this undertaking, still feel, that having proceeded thus far in the matter, they ought not to shrink from carrying the design into effect, supposing it should be approved by the present Assembly. They, therefore, venture to present to you the following recommendations :--
1. That it be an instruction from this Assembly to the Committee of the Congregational Union to undertake the preparation of such a Hymn Book as that described in the Report now presented.2. That it be compiled by an Executive Committee, consisting of not less than twelve gentlemen, assisted by a corresponding Committee, composed of ministers and others, residing in the country, who, by knowledge, taste, or influence, may be able to aid its completion; and that all competent persons be invited to aid the Executive Committee by suggesting less-known Hymns, and Collections of Hymns, which may be examined.
The Report having been read, it was moved by the Rev. Henry Allon, and seconded by Rev. J. Stoughton :--
"That the Report of the proceedings of the Committee of the Congregational Union, in reference to the publication of a new Hymn Book, be approved and adopted; and that the Committee do forthwith take the measures necessary to accomplish the object."
The propriety of the Union undertaking the preparation and publication of a
NEW TUNE BOOK
was considered, and the following resolution was moved by the Rev. James Hill, and seconded by James Peachey, Esq. :--
"That the Committee of the Union be instructed to take into their consideration the propriety of compiling a new Tune Book, suitable to the Psalms and Hymns used in Congregational worship; and that if, in their judgment, the compilation of such a book be desirable, they take measures forthwith for its preparation."
[END, May 1855 NCHB report]
[ 1856 p.61 ] Autumn Assembly, October 1855
Report on Hymn Book
Read at the request of the Committee, by the Rev. Henry Allon.
In conformity with the instructions of the Annual Assembly in May last, the Committee of the Union appointed an Executive Committee for the compilation of the new Hymn Book, consisting of sixteen persons, viz.:-- Rev. Henry Allon, Rev. Dr. Burder, Mr. Josiah Conder, Rev. Dr. Harris, Edward Swaine, Esq., Rev. J. Spence, M.A., Rev. T.G. Horton, Rev. T.W. Aveling, Rev. S.S. England, Rev. James Hill, Rev. J. Stoughton, Rev. J.B. Brown, B.A., and Rev. J. Sherman. -- Ex officio members, Rev. George Smith, Rev. Robert Ashton, Benjamin Hanbury, Esq.; and also a Corresponding Committee, consisting of about fifty of the principal ministers and laymen throughout the kingdom, by whose advice and suggestions the Executive Committee might be aided, and to whom they might submit their plans for the construction of the book, and the compositions which they proposed to insert.
The Executive Committee met for the first time on the 4th of June, and have continued to meet weekly for three hours, with the exception of four weeks in August and September. The following principles and regulations for their guidance were drawn up and approved by the Committee of the Union, and ordered to be printed :--
"1. That all the psalms and hymns proposed to be inserted be submitted to each member of the Corresponding Committee, at least seven days before they be finally decided on.2. That the members be requested to ascertain, so far as they can, the judgment of ministerial brethren and other friends in their respective neighbourhoods.
3. That the members be asked to furnish a scheme or arrangement for the Hymn Book.
4. That ministers and others may aid the Committee by suggesting less-known hymns, or collections of hymns.
5. That they be solicited to point out, or make translations of hymns in the ancient or modern languages, that may be suited for congregational worship."
In conformity with these regulations, the Executive Committee proceeded, first, to the careful consideration of Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns, and in this labour they are still engaged. They have gone through the Psalter, and to the 125th hymn of the First Book, simply eliminating the compositions that in their judgment are suitable for insertion in the new book. The same process they propose with the Congregational Hymn Book. After which, they will proceed to the consideration of any other psalms or hymns that may be deemed worthy of insertion.
The arrangement of the book has occupied, and still occupies, the solicitous attention of the Executive Committee. They are happy to say, that they have received some valuable schemes from several members of the Corresponding Committee, as well as from their own individual members; but they have hitherto deferred the formal consideration of them, in the hope that other brethren will in like manner afford them their valuable aid.
They have also thankfully to acknowledge the kind compliance of several members of the Corresponding Committee, with their request to send them a revision of Dr. Watts's Psalter, or the completion of their own; and they earnestly request such co-operation from every member. They feel that their undertaking is arduous and important, and they have already derived important aid from the suggestions thus communicated to them. Their simple and only wish is, that the churches may be furnished with such a book as will best express and nurture their spiritual life and worship; and, in order to this result, they gladly welcome and carefully consider every suggestion that is made to them; and they attach very great importance to the various judgments of the honoured brethren who constitute the Corresponding Committee.
[ END, Oct. 1855 NCHB report ]
CYB 1857 p.21 Annual Report to Assembly 13th May 1856
. . . In harmony with a resolution of the last Annual Assembly, a Committee was nominated for the compilation of a new Hymn Book. Fifteen gentlemen resident in and about London, who were deemed every way qualified, were appointed the Executive Committee; and to these were added a Corresponding Committee of fifty persons in the country, who are giving their judicious and willing services in aid of the undertaking. It is intended that all the psalms and hymns of Dr Watts suited for congregational worship shall be inserted in the book, and that these shall be supplemented by the best hymns extant in our own language, by some originals, and by competent translations. The Executive Committee meet weekly, and devote much time and attention to the work. They feel it to be an undertaking of as much delicacy and difficulty as it is of importance. If they are enabled through the grace of God to accomplish this work efficiently, it will be a boon to those churches who may prefer one book to Dr. Watts and a Supplement, will add to the solemnity, delight, and edification of public worship, and hand down to ages yet unborn a faithful testimony, in spirited, tasteful, and appropriate verse, for those glorious truths which lie at the foundation of all individual Christian and church life.
It was also remitted to your Committee to consider the propriety of compiling a new Tune Book, suited to the psalms and hymns used in Congregational worship, and in harmony with the advanced state of sacred music. But it was found on inquiry by them, that the subject had been fully considered and approved by the Union seventeen years ago, and that it had been subsequently abandoned, in consequence of the difficulties which attended the execution of the design. Still anxious, if possible, to undertake a work which in the judgment of many was most desirable, the Committee addressed a letter to the members of the Corresponding and Executive Committees of the new Hymn Book, raising the question as to the desirableness, or otherwise, of their undertaking the publication of a Tune Book. In that letter, the considerations which had occured to your Committee for and against the proposition were clearly stated, and they asked the thoughtful attention of their correspondents to the various points which the proposition involved, and begged the favour of their opinion, in writing, on the design. The result has been, that, out of forty-eight replies, five only were in favour of the work being undertaken by the Union. Having thus appealed to the judgment of the persons most competent to aid your Committee in arriving at a wise decision, they have now to recommend that no further steps be taken in the matter.
. . . The publications of the Union have continued to obtain about their usual sale, with the exception of the Hymn Book, the demand for which has fallen below that of former years, and no increase can well be looked for at present, while the expectation of the forthcoming volume of hymns is indulged. . . .
CYB 1858 p.35 Annual Report to Assembly 12th May 1857
. . . Returning to a more direct review of your own concerns, it may be reported that the Hymn Book Committee have been steadily attending to the important work entrusted to their care. They were constituted in May, 1855, and held their first meeting in the following month. They have subsequently had seventy-one meetings, which is mentioned as a proof that they are earnestly endeavouring to construct a work which shall realise all the reasonable expectations indulged concerning it. The Psalms are selceted, revised, and completely prepared for the press. The Hymns are likewise collected and classified. They are undergoing careful revision, with a view to reduce the selected number within the bounds to which the book will be confined, and which is to include about a thousand compositions. Your Committee are anxious that the original instruction of the Assembly, that the work should retain all the compositions of Dr. Watts which are adapted to Congregational worship, should be fully carried out; and they are concerned that the work should be completed with all the speed compatible with efficiency. It is intended to print a limited edition for the inspection and judgment of the Corresponding Committee in different parts of the country, and of other persons whose opinions may be of service in guiding the Committee to a final conclusion in reference to all the details of the book. Impatience has naturally enough been felt, and occasional complaint uttered, at the delay of its appearing; but the labour involved in the work is great, and the expectation that the Hymn Book will be widely used in the Denomination, and will for ages to come be employed in the worship of our churches, demands and justifies the exercise of the the time and toil requisite to make it worthy of the growing acceptance after which it aspires.
CYB 1859 p.20 Annual Report to Assembly 11th May 1858
. . . It is with much satisfaction that your Committee are enabled at length to announce to you that the "New Congregational Hymn-Book", which for three years has occupied the attention of the Committee appointed to compile it, has now passed through the press, and that a copy of the book is about to be presented to your chairman to-day. The work has been delayed beyond what the wishes of your Committee, and the importunity of many who are waiting for it, could have desired; but the delay has been unavoidable. The labour has been much greater than was first imagined; and the Committee were anxious that the work should be as complete and perfect as the utmost diligence on their part could make it. The edition now printed is intended to be open to observation, and to elicit candid criticism. The opinions of the Corresponding Committee and of other friends on it will be invited. It will then undergo a final revision by the executive Committee, be stereotyped, and published in various editions. The Committee anticipate for the work a favourable reception and wide circulation. They are of the opinion that it will justify all the expectations indulged concerning it, and be the means of greatly promoting the edification of the churches who may adopt it.
CYB 1860 p.22 Annual Report to Assembly 10th May 1859
. . . You will be gratified to know that your publications continue to find favour and circulation . . . while the sale of the Congregational Hymn Book, for the year ending March 31, 1859, has greatly exceeded that of any former year.
Four years ago the Assembly of the Union gave directions for the compilation of a new Congregational Hymn Book, with a view to meet the wishes of those congregations who think one book preferable to Dr. Watts and a Supplement. It was intended that the work should include all the poetical compositions of Watts best adapted to congregational worship, and such other superior hymns and psalms as the language could supply. That work is now finished, and published this day. The lengthened time employed in its preparation was demanded by the importance of the work; and the period which has elapsed since a proof edition was printed, was needful to make the numerous improvements suggested in it. It is now completed, in perfect harmony with the principles approved by the Assembly; and the Committee venture to believe that it will meet a favourable reception, be largely introduced to our churches, and be the means of greatly promoting their edification. The best thanks of the Union are due and are hereby presented to the committee who undertook the work, and pursued it to its completion.
CYB 1861 p.15 Annual Report to Assembly 8th May 1860
. . .At the last Annual Meeting, the New Hymn-Book was reported to be complete. Some time, however, elapsed before it could be put into circulation. It has met with a cordial approval, equalling the expectations of your Committee. Several congregations have already adopted it; more than 30,000 copies have been put into circulation. To the corresponding and executive committees, who lent valuable aid in compiling the volume, the best thanks of your Committee have been presented; and they cannot forbear to remark, that to your Finance and Publication Committee the Union is deeply indebted, as they supply from the profits of your publications the deficiency which is annually found in the contributions from its members. They would hope that our churches will yet, by more general contributions, furnish the means to work the organization, so that the profits of these publications may, as originally intended, be devoted to benevolent objects.
CYB 1862 p.27 Annual Report to Assembly 7th May 1861
. . . In reporting on the publications of the Union during the year, . . . Of the Congregational Hymn-book upwards of 15,500 have been sold -- a proof that it is still highly valued as a supplement to the Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts. The New Congregational Hymn-book has rapidly obtained a wide and growing approbation in England and in the Colonies. The Congregational Union of Victoria at its first meeting unanimously adopted the following resolution: -- "That the present meeting, consisting of ministers and delegates of churches, having taken into consideration the use of the New Congregational Hymn-book as the organ of our psalmody, do recommend its speedy adoption by all the churches, on account of its superior character, and of the manifold advantages connected with the general use of "`One Hymn-book.'"
You will be gratified to learn that nearly 120,000 copies of this book have been sold in the short space of less than two years.
CYB 1863 p.29 Annual Report to Assembly 13th May 1862
. . . The Congregational Hymn-book, still extensively used as a supplement to Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns, is largely called for, no less than 11,931 having been sold during the past year. The new Congregational Hymn-book is rapidly winning its way to extended use and favour. The number sold during the year is 59,661; and its total sale in three years has been 164,145 copies.
CYB 1864 p. 34 Committee Report to Annual Assembly 12th May 1863
. . . Your Committee are happy to report that . . . your hymn books are obtaining an increasing circulation. During the past year nearly nine thousand of the Congregational Hymn-book have been sold, and during the same period the sale of the New Congregational Hymn-book has been 57,578 copies, making a total of 221,723 copies since the first publication, in May, 1859.
CYB 1865 p.10 Committee Report to Annual Assembly 10th May 1864
. . . With unmingled satisfaction your Committee regard the increasing circulation of the New Congregational Hymn-book. In all directions they are assured that it is highly valued in the congregations that have adopted it. More than seventy thousand copies of it have been circulated during the past year, making a total of three hundred thousand copies during the five years it has had an existence. The Committee, encouraged by the extensive circulation it has obtained, have made a considerable reduction in the prices of all the editions, and have made arrangements for the publication of a large edition, in an unusually cheap, yet beautiful form, which will bring it without difficulty within the reach of the children and young people of our congregations.
The profits of the hymn-book hitherto have exceeded the expectations of the Committee, who have thus been enabled to supply the deficiency in the income of the Union and to make liberal votes to various benevolent institutions connected with Congregationalism. . . .
CYB 1866 p.33 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 9th May 1865
THE PUBLICATIONS OF THE UNION
. . . continue to present one encouraging feature of your operations. . . . The `Congregational Hymn-book,’ as might be expected, is gradually diminishing in its yearly sale; while the `New Congregational Hymn-book,’ is steadily increasing in the area of its circulation, and the number of copies sold. Your Committee last year made a considerable reduction in the price of all the various editions, and they have printed an impression of twenty thousand copies, in double columns, and neatly bound, with gilt edges, as a special edition, which can be obtained in quantities by congregations and schools, at one shilling per copy. Nearly the whole of this edition is sold off. Over ninety-one thousand copies of this book, in its different editions, were sold during the past year, which makes a total issue of about three hundred and thirty-nine thousand copies of all sizes from the beginning.
[ 1866 p.86 ]
C.U.E.W. Autumnal Meeting: Second Session, 25th October 1865
REPORT ON HYMN BOOKS.
Rev. R.Ashton read the following Report thereon: --
The Committee have published two entirely new Editions in place of the 32mo and 18mo, which have been in use from the beginning.
The ordinary 32mo is replaced by a handsome royal 32mo, and published at the same price as the former editions. The ordinary 18mo is replacedby a handsome royal 18mo, and no alteration is made in the price.
The smallest edition, 48mo, is published in purple roan only. The Committee, desirous that the children in our Sunday-schools should use it more extensively, have resolved to bind the book also in limp cloth, cut edges, which will be sold at 8d per copy, or 6d wholesale.
COTTAGE HYMN- BOOK.
Anxious still further to create a desire for the New Congregational Hymn-book, the Committee have prepared two specimen editions of the Hymn-book in an abridged form, for cottage meetings and for Sunday-schools.
First, the Congregational Cottage Hymn-book, containing 150 hymns, is intended to be an introduction to the use of the larger book.
There is no lack of penny and twopenny Hymn-books, designed for social worship, prayer-meetings, and cottage services. They vary in size and merit and adaptation. Some of these books may possibly be found among our village chapels and mission stations. Still the Committee, feeling the desirableness of uniform praise as much as possible, -- both in the more private and social worship of our friends, and in our Church Services, -- have judged it right to prepare a small book, selected exclusively from the New Congregational Hymn-book, for the use of persons when meeting for worship in cottages, halls, drawing-rooms, and other places, where a large number of books is required by the worshippers, and where it would be inconvenient and too expensive to keep a supply of the larger books.
The hymns being selected from the new Congregational Book, persons having the larger complete volume at hand will be at no loss for the hymns announced for singing in the more private worship, as the smaller copy will have, not only the regular successive numbers from 1 to 150, but also the number of the hymn selected from the larger book placed at the head of each hymn.
It is thought, too, that such an edition will be prized as a Pocket Companion, to be used when travelling or at rest, or as a help to devotion, both in the closet and in the chamber of suffering.
The use of the abridgment will create a desire for the full volume; persons gathered from private rooms and mission stations into our congregations, being familiar with the hymns in the Cottage Book, will seek to possess the book in use in the public worship of the Church.
The Committee, therefore, commend this proposal to publish a Congregational Cottage Hymn-book to your favourable regard, when such book shall have been approved by a Committee of revision which you may appoint.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL HYMN-BOOK
The other abridged volume is that of the Congregational Sunday School Hymn-book.
This little book is designed as a Primer of Song for the children of our schools and families; a preparation for the praises of the sanctuary; a selection containing hymns to be stored in the memory, which will ever and anon be springing up in the youthful mind, and will not be forgotten amid the turmoils of life and in the last conflict with disease and death.
A feeling has been growing for some time past amongst the more thoughtful and intelligent Sabbath-school Teachers and Superintendents, that many of the Sunday-school Hymn-books contain hymns unsuitable alike in sentiment and in measures for the gravity of worship and for the sanctity of the Sabbath. Too many are mere moral and sentimental songs, innocent and harmless enough as designed for diversion and pleasure at home, or the day-school, or at work on the week-days; while the tunes to which some of them are sung are more befitting the saloon and the dance than the school, which ought to be regarded as the vestibule of the Church, and its scholars as under training for the service of God. The natural tendency of such hymns and tunes is to create a distaste for the graver songs and airs required in public worship.
There are indeed some children’s hymns of a livelier kind, which have been so thoroughly incorporated with the singing of the school, that it would be unwise on the part of any reformers to ignore them, or to attempt to exclude them from Hymn-books prepared for youthful worship, especially for very young children. They appear desirable to be retained, as affording variety in the “Service of Song,” and as adapted to the cheerfulness and vivacity so beautiful to witness in the early stages of childhood and youth. Extremes should be avoided, and the chief object of Sunday-schools should not be overlooked. Some hymns will necessarily be of a higher order of sentiment, and of a more experimental character, than children can at present thoroughly understand or feel. Still they can, for the most part, comprehend something of their meaning, and may be prepared thereby to sing them hereafter alike from memory and with the melody of the heart. Some of the most popular hymns in our Sunday-schools, such as -- “When I can read my title clear;” “Come, we that love the Lord;” “All hail the power of Jesus’ name,” -- must be regarded as hymns for the future, than as utterances in full accord with the present of a child’s experience. Such hymns are found in all Sunday-school collections, of which there is a goodly number in use throughout the country, and all more or less adapted for the purpose designed.
The Committee, keeping in mind the relation of the Sunday-school to the Church, and of the worship of the school to the worship of the sanctuary, resolved to compile a book for Sunday-school worship in our own congregations especially, from the hymns contained in the New Congregational Hymn-book. One hundred and twenty suitable hymns have been selected, to which there is an appendix of thirty hymns, obtained from other sources, specially adapted for younger children; such as “Around the throne of God in heaven;” “I want to be like Jesus;” “I think when I read that sweet story,” &c.
The Committee would not venture on publication without first consulting the Assembly, and obtaining its sanction; and therefore they ask your concurrence in the project, and in the appointment of a Committee of revision, who, with the compilers of the specimen selections, shall in your name prepare and publish a Cottage and a Sunday-school Hymn-book at the earliest moment possible.
Moved by Rev. R. Ashton; seconded by Rev. Thomas James: --
“That this Assembly approves of the Report of the Publication Committee respecting the New Edition of the Hymn-books; and, convinced of the importance of having the proposed editions for Cottage Meetings and Sunday-schools, instructs the Committee to publish such books as early as convenient;“And, with a view to render these books as complete as possible, requests the following gentlemen to be a Committee of revision, to assist the Sub-committee in the preparation and publication of the works proposed: --
“The Chairman of the Union, Rev. J. Kennedy, M.A., Charles Reed, Esq., Rev. H. Allon, Rev. Dr. Unwin, Rev. T. W. Aveling, Henry Lee, Esq., Rev. J. G. Rogers, B.A., Alfred Rooker, Esq., Rev. J.L.Poore, -- with power to add to their number.
CYB 1867 p.33 Committee Report to Annual Assembly 8th May 1866
. . . The publications of the Union continue to receive the approbation of the Denomination . . .
The smaller Congregational Hymn Book designed for prayer-meetings, cottage services, and family worship, has been published at the price of twopence, in paper covers; threepence in cloth; and fourpence in leather. Extensive approbation of this little book has reached the Committee, and several congregations have already adopted it, and the Committee trust it will have a large circulation. The Congregational Sunday-school Hymn Book has not yet been published. The Revision Committee appointed at Bristol almost unanimously reached the conclusion that a small book containing hymns only to be found in the New Congregational Hymn Book, with a limited appendix, would not meet the wants of our schools, and that it would be better to compile a little volume of two hundred hymns, selected from all available sources, including as many as possible from the larger hymn-book. They felt, however, that they would not be justified in issuing a work constructed on this principle without the approval of this Assembly, which they hope will be accorded. The hymns have already been selected by the Revision Committee, and only await your approval of the principle of selection before being printed in the specimen copies to be submitted to the inspection of ministers and gentlemen connected with Sunday-schools in various parts of the Kingdom. Opinions will be invited on the book before publication by the Committee, to whom the matter was referred by the Assembly at Bristol.
The sale of the New Congregational Hymn Book during the year amounted to 102,743 copies, making a total of considerably more than half a million since its first publication in 1859. The Committee have reduced the price, and improved the form of the various editions, and they are gratified in knowing that in all respects the book is increasingly valued.
[ 1867 p.97 ] Autumnal Assembly 9th October 1866
SUNDAY-SCHOOL HYMN BOOK.
The Rev. R. Ashton read the following Report: --
“The special Committee appointed at the last autumnal meeting prepared a Sunday-school Hymn Book, on the principle approved and adopted by the Annual Assembly in May last.“They had a small edition of 250 copies printed, and sent nearly the whole edition to various persons in different part of the metropolis and the country, requesting opinions, criticisms, and suggestions.
“Numerous replies have been received. By nearly every correspondent the book is highly approved as a whole, though occasional omissions are suggested, and the introduction of some special favourites are recommended.
“A pretty general opinion obtains that the number of the hymns should be increased. Some fifty or one hundred more hymns are thought desirable, thus making the whole number about 300.
“With this correspondence before them, and more that may probably arrive in a few days, the Committee have thought it expedient to enter on a revision of the book with a view to its improvement and enlargement, and, therefore, beg to be allowed only to report progress, and to assure the Assembly that the book shall be prepared with all possible care and speed.
“The Committee cannot conclude their Report without presenting sincere thanks to their correspondents, both ministers and superintendents of Sabbath-schools, for the valuable assistance they have rendered.”
Resolution moved by Rev. R. Ashton, seconded by Rev. W. J. Unwin, LL.D.: --
“That the interim Report now read be adopted; that the Committee be requested to publish a small experimental edition as early as convenient, to be obtained on application at the publishers’; and that the general edition be not published till after the sanction of the Assembly in May next.”
CYB 1868 p.25 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 7th May 1867
. . . Your Committee are able to report satisfactorily in relation to your publications.
. . . As might be expected, the sale of the original Congregational Hymn-book is nearly brought to an end, the work being all but universally superseded by the New Congregational Hymn-book. During the past year 94,795 copies of this work have been sold, making a total of 599,206 from the first publication. The smaller Hymn-book, for Cottage and Vestry services, is gradually extending its circulation, more than 15,500 copies having been sold during the year. The Special Committee appointed by the Assembly to prepare a Congregational Sunday-school Hymn-book, have availed themselves of many valuable suggestions from ministers and superintendents of Sunday-schools, with a view to make the work as perfect as possible. They have published a small experimental edition, as directed by the last Autumnal Meeting, and with the approval of this Assembly they purpose forthwith to issue the general edition. Your Committee are not without hope, that this work, completing, as it will, the list of Congregational Hymn-books, may prove a great and lasting blessing to our Sunday schools, contributing at once to the improvement of devotion and the cultivation of poetic taste.
The Committee, having reduced the prices of the Hymn-books to the lowest remunerative point, find themselves, notwithstanding a greatly increased circulation, in the possession of a smaller available fund for benevolent purposes than in former years. . . .
[ 1868 p.25 ]
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL HYMN BOOK.
Moved by the Rev. Josiah Miller, M.A.; seconded by the Rev. John Hallett: --
“The Committee having reported that the Congregational Sunday-school Hymn Book had been printed, as ordered by the Assembly at Sheffield; that specimen copies had been widely circulated, and that the Hymn Book moreover had obtained general favour, it is hereby Resolved --“That the Committee be authorized to make the final corrections in the Congregational Sunday-school Hymn Book, and print and publish the same with as little delay as possible.”
CYB 1869 p.31 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 12th May 1868
. . . It is a gratifying circumstance that the publications of the Union continue to circulate largely amongst our Churches: the Tracts, Manual, and the Church records are in constant, steady demand. The New Congregational Hymn Book has an undiminished circulation; ninety-three thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine copies have been sold during the year, making a total of nearly seven hundred thousand from its first publication. The cheapness of the book is one secret of its popularity; and the Committee have in view a still further reduction of price in most of the editions. Having published a beautiful but very cheap edition for the children and young people of your congregations, they have now resolved on issuing a cheap edition for the aged poorer members, reducing the price of the crown 8vo., large type, in a strong but plain binding, to three shillings. Eleven thousand of the smaller Hymn-book, for cottage and vestry services, have been sold during the last twelve months; and the Sunday-school Hymn-book, though recently published, has attained a circulation of more than sixteen thousand. . . .
CYB 1870 p.27 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 11th May 1869
. . . Your Committee are happy to report that the publications of your Union are still obtaining a large circulation. . . . About twenty thousand of the Sunday-school Hymn-book have been circulated, and gradually the work is obtaining favour in our schools. Nearly ten thousand copies of the smaller Congregational Hymn-book have been sold, and more than eighty-two thousand five hundred of the New Congregational Hymn-book. The publishing prices of the work having been carefully revised, the Publication Committee have reduced the prices of ten different forms of the book, and effected several improvements in the style and quality of the bindings.
The profits arising from your publications are still considerable; and, after supplying the deficiency of the annual subscriptions in the expenses incurred in conducting the business of the Union, leave a large sum for benevolent purposes. . . .
CYB 1871 p.19 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 10th May 1870
. . .
LITERATURE.
. . . The Old Congregational Hymn Book is now nearly extinct. No further reprints will be made. The New Congregational Hymn Book still maintains its hold among the Churches. More than three-quarters of a million copies have been sold during the ten years of its publication. The copies sold this year alone have been 90,238, besides 8,713 of Cottage Hymn Book, and nearly 20,000 copies of Sunday-school Hymn Book. The prices of the Hymn Book have been reduced from time to time. A reduction in ten editions took place last year.
CYB 1872 p.23 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 9th May 1871
LITERATURE
. . .
SUPPLEMENT TO HYMN-BOOK
Another question in the department of literature with which the Committee have had to deal is that of the preparation of a Supplement to the Hymn-book. They do not care to disguise the reluctance with which they took this question up, but they judged that the Union having, with a view to aid the Churches in their worship, published the New Congregational Hymn-book, and that Hymn-book having been very generally accepted, should make such improvements in it from time to time as may fit it to meet the want of the churches, or as may be necessary to the maintenance of its position, as the book of praise in general use in the Congregational body. They do not think that the time has come for the publication of a new edition of the Hymn-book, but that, considering that since its publication a great change of opinion and feeling has taken place in the Churches, with regard to the forms which the service of praise should assume; that, in the same interval, a very large addition has been made to the number of good hymns suitable for Congregational worship; and that, if the defects of the Hymn-book for present use are not made good by the Union, the matter will certainly be taken out of its hands, to the detriment of its property; and the inconvenient multiplication of Hymn-books, -- the time has come for taking a step by which at once present wants shall be met, and a preparation made for such more thorough change as may be subsequently found desirable. They therefore propose that a Supplement to the Hymn-book shall be prepared; and a resolution to this effect will be submitted to you in the course of the proceedings.
[ 1872 p.30 ] Second Session, 12th May 1871
. . .
SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEW CONGREGATIONAL HYMN BOOK.
Moved by Rev. Dr. Mullens, and seconded by W. Groser, jun., Esq., and carried with two or three dissentients --
“That this Assembly approves of the proposal of the Committee to publish a Supplement to the New Congregational Hymn Book, and remits it to them to take immediate steps for carrying the resolution into effect.”
CYB 1873 p.6 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 6th May 1872
. . .
SUPPLEMENT TO HYMN-BOOK.
The Committee, acting on an instruction adopted by the last annual meeting, have been engaged in the preparation of a supplement to the Congregational Hymn-book, and they are glad to be able to report that the draft edition is in the press.
CYB 1874 p.6 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 12th May 1873
. . .
SUPPLEMENT TO HYMN-BOOK. -- The supplement to the Congregational Hymn-Book has required more time and labour than was anticipated. The Editorial Committee, anxious to adapt it to the felt wants of the churches, and to make it as complete as possible, placed a draft in the hands of a number of pastors and others, whose tastes and studies made it desirable that they should be consulted. “In the multitude of counsellors there is safety;” but there is also delay. One edition is now ready, however, with the exception of the final correction of the proofs, which is in progress. The other editions will be put in hand immediately after a clean proof has been secured; and it is hoped that, before the Autumnal Meeting, the book will already have been put to the test of actual use in not a few congregations.
[ 1874 p.81 ] Autumnal Assembly 14th October 1873
At the conclusion of the [Chairman’s] Address, the Rev. A. Hannay made a general statement respecting the Supplement to the Hymn Book; the College Conference; . . . [ &c.]
CYB 1875 p.6 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 11th May 1874
. . .
SUPPLEMENT TO THE CONGREGATIONAL HYMN BOOK
The Supplement to the Congregational Hymn Book is now on sale, apart, and bound up with all sizes of the Hymn Book, except the 48mo. The Committee hope that it will in the course of time be generally accepted by the churches, and that it will be a material aid to them in their service of song.
CYB 1876 p.44 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 13th May 1875
. . .
ABRIDGED CONGREGATIONAL HYMN-BOOK.
The smaller Congregational Hymn-Book, published by the Union several years ago, having been found insufficient for the ends it was meant to serve, a new selection has been substituted for it, under the title of “The Abridged Congregational Hymn-Book.” This book, which contains 270 hymns, selected from the “Congregational Hymn-Book and Supplement,” will, it is hoped, come largely into use in lecture-rooms, at mission-stations, and in families. Two editions have been published at an unremunerative price, and another edition in larger print is passing rapidly through the press.
CYB 1879 p.34 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 6th May 1878
. . .
HYMN-BOOK. -- The Hymn-book and Supplement, in all their editions, continue to have a large sale, the number of copies sent out by the publishers during the year 1877 being 132,100, as against 122,986 copies in the year preceding. The Committee, anxious to give to the churches all the advantage arising from the well-established popularity of the book which is consistent with the fair maintenance of its value as the property of the Union, and to meet in every resonable way the convenience of those who use it, have made arrangements for the issue of two new editions -- one in double-column 16mo, bound in cloth, to be sold (including the Supplement) at 1s., and one in double-column crown 8vo, in larger type than either of the double column editions now in use. When these editions are ready, the Committee will issue a revised price-list; and, as the issue of the new cheap edition will enable the less wealthy members of the churches to buy the Hymn-book with Supplement for 4d. less than they have at present to pay for the Hymn-book alone in that form, the Committee do not intend after that date to issue the Hymn-book without the Supplement. The Supplement, however, will continue for some time to be sold apart, for the convenience of those who wish to have it.
CYB 1880 p.42 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 12th May 1879
. . .
PUBLICATIONS. -- In regard to publications there is little of special importance to note. The sale of the hymn-book continues at the high average which the last few years have established. The number of copies sold in 1877 was 132,100, in 1878, 135,150, being a difference in favour of last year of 3,050. A new Sunday-school hymn-book is being compiled, the Rev. G. S. Barratt, B.A., having, at the request of the Committee, undertaken the editorship. . . .
CYB 1881 p.44 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 10th May 1880
. . .
PUBLICATIONS. -- In the department of publications there is little that is novel to report. . . . The sale of hymn-books during the year has been maintained on the scale which the last few years have established. The new Sunday-School Hymn-book is nearly ready for the press.
CYB 1882 p.3 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 9th May 1881
. . .
PUBLICATIONS. -- In regard to publications, your Committee have to report that the sale of hymn-books during the year has been maintained at the full average of late years; the new special edition, sold at one shilling, having a larger sale than any edition previously issued. The new hymn-book for Sunday-schools, under the title, "Congregational Hymnal or Book of Praise for the Young," is now on sale in six editions, ranging in price from twopence to sixteen-pence per copy. This book, which has been very carefully edited, will, the Committee hopes, occupy a good place among the numerous books of praise lately provided for use in Sunday-schools and families. . . .
CYB 1883 p.8 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 8th May 1882
. . .
PUBLICATIONS. -- . . . [ "little to report" ] . . .
CYB 1884 p.9 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 7th May 1883
. . .
A demand has for some time been made from several quarters for the publication of a Hymnal, with or without music, which might be used by congregations who prefer it to the "Congregational Hymn Book", and the Committee has agreed to the appointment of a Special Committee to consider and report how such a work should be compiled and published.
CYB 1885 p.9 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 6th May 1884
. . .
The Special Committee appointed to make arrangements for the compilation and publication of a Hymnal for the use of those churches which desire a substitute for the present Congregational hymn-book, has made considerable progress in its labours, but has not yet completed them. It will probably be able, however, to present a final report at the meeting of the Committee in the month of July.
CYB 1886 p.6 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 11th May 1885
. . .
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNAL. -- The "Congregational Hymnal" which is being prepared by the Rev. G.S.Barrett, B.A., aided by a consultative committee, is making steady progress, . . .
. . . It is not intended on the publication of the Hymnal to withdraw the Congregational Hymn-Book, or to limit the facilities which now exist for obtaining it in convenient forms and at a cheap rate. So long as it is saleable it will be kept in stock.
CYB 1887 p.8 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 10th May 1886
[ No reference to N.C.H.B. ]
CYB 1888 p.10 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 9th May 1887
. . .
ACCOUNTS. -- . . . There has been on the one hand a considerable decrease in profits on the sale of the Congregational Hymn-book, owing to the expectation that the Congregational Church Hymnal would soon be published; and on the other hand a considerable special outlay in connection with the production of the Hymnal. . . .
CYB 1889 p.6 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 7th May 1888
. . .
PUBLICATIONS. -- The Congregational Church Hymnal, though specimens of some of its editions were ready for inspection at the date of the last Annual Meeting, was not ready for sale in all its editions until the date of the Autumnal Meetings. . . .
. . . The Committee find that in some quarters an impression exists that there is an intention at an early date to withdraw the Congregational Hymn-book, with Supplement, from sale. There is no such intention at present. As long as any considerable number of the churches continue to use that book the Committee feel bound to supply it, though they may from time to time withdraw editions which have ceased to have a remunerative sale.
CYB 1890 p.5 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 6th May 1889
[ No reference to N.C.H.B. ]
CYB 1891 p.9 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 12th May 1890
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. --
. . . The sale of the "Congregational Hymn-book" has, as a matter of course, considerably diminished, yet 46,486 copies were sold during the year.
CYB 1892 p.8 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 11th May 1891
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. --
. . . The sale of the Church Hymnal for the year amounted to 68,468 copies, and for the old hymn book to 44,703. . . .
CYB 1893 p.7 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 9th May 1892
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. --
. . . The Congregational Hymn Book and Supplement is still used by a large number of churches, as may be gathered from the fact that nearly 40,000 copies were sold last year. . . .
CYB 1894 p.10 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 8th May 1893
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. --
The demand for 35,000 copies of the Congregational Hymn Book shows that the older work still retains an important place in our musical services. The disposal of 45,000 copies of the Sunday School Hymnal and of 32,000 of the Mission Hymnal is also satisfactory. . . .
CYB 1895 p.56 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 7th May 1894
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. -- . . . The sales of the Hymnal were 68,469, about the same as last year; but the demand for the Hymn Book has fallen from 35,000 to 30,000. The call for Sunday-school Hymnals was 36,422, and for Mission Hymnals 19,742. All things considered these sales are satisfactory, though it is a matter for regret that the excellency of the Mission Hymnal is not obtaining more rapid recognition. . . .
CYB 1896 p.56 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 6th May 1895
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. -- . . . The sales of the Hymnal were 68,718, as against 68,469 last year. The demand for the Hymn-book has again fallen, though not at the same rapid rate as in 1893, and amounted only to 29,175. The call for Sunday-school Hymnals was 37,875, and for Mission Hymnals 16,024. . . . the demand for Hymn-sheets for special services rose to 107,934. . . .
CYB 1897 p.58 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 11th May 1896
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. --
. . . the adoption of the Hymnal implies the discarding of the older Hymn-book. These considerations being kept in mind, an encouraging quantity of business has been done. The sales of the Hymnal were 66,819 copies, about 2,600 less than the year before. The demand for the Hymn-book fell to 24,124, a decrease of 5,000. There was an improved sale of the Sunday-school Hymnal amounting to 38,523 copies; and an increase of 1,500 in the call for Mission Hymnals, which rose to 17,571. . . . Of the hymn-sheets, a valuable aid to Special Services, 113,657 were cleared, . . .
CYB 1898 p.64 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 10th May 1897
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. --
. . . Of the older Hymn-Book 24,038 copies were in demand, an evidence that this work is not yet out of date. Of the Sunday School Hymnal tghe sale was 41,513, an advance of 3,000 copies on the previous year, and a further token of the growing popularity of the book. The sale of the Mission Hymnal is not equally encouraging. Only 9,593 copies have been sold. Yet apart from its main purpose as a high-class Mission-book, it is valuable as a suitable volume for Week-night Services, for Christian Endeavour Societies, for Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Gatherings, and for ordinary Bible-classes. . . . The Hymn-Sheets continue to render useful service; the call for the last-named again exceeded 100,000 copies.
CYB 1899 p.58 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 9th May 1898
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. -- . . . The sales . . . of the Sunday School Hymnal rose to 45,451, an increase of 4,000. Those of the Mission Hymnal, a work whose popularity is now growing, amounted to 10,113, a small increase. The older Hymn Book continues to show diminished sales, although the rate of decrease is not so considerable as in recent years. . . . The Hymnal Sheets are still found useful; the sales being larger than ever.
CYB 1900 p.57 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 8th May 1899
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. -- . . . The transactions of 1898 show a slight falling off . . . 45,779 copies of the Sunday School Hymnal, and 9,599 Mission Hymnals were disposed of, the former slightly above and the latter rather under the numbers of the previous year. The older Hymn Book was called for to the extent of 21,519 copies. . . . the demand for Hymn Sheets was undiminished.
CYB 1901 p.62 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 7th May 1900
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. -- Decrease marked the sales of our various hymnals and hymn books during the past year partly accounted for by the alteration of date at which the year's sales ceased, November 30th, instead of the middle of December as heretofore. The sales of Church Hymnal numbered 73,573 - about 6,000 less than in 1898; while 42,756 Sunday School Hymnal, 8,251 Mission Hymnal, and 20,068 of the older Congregational Hymn Book, show slight reductions on the numbers for the previous year. . . . Hymn Sheets were in good demand. . . .
CYB 1902 p.58 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 22nd April 1901
. . .
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. --
. . . The demand for the Sunday School Hymnal rose to the high-water mark of 46,000. On the other hand the sales of the Mission Hymnal were only 7,797, a decrease which recent additions to the work ought soon to amend. . . . The old Hymn Book, still called the New Congregational, sold only to the extent of 17,791 copies, the lowest sale on record, a hint of the coming day when it will no longer be profitable to keep it in stock.
CYB 1903 p.57 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 12th May 1902
. . .
THE STANDING SUB-COMMITTEES
. . .
The business of the Publication Department shows a steady and encouraging growth. . . . The demand for the Sunday School Hymnal exceeded the previous "high-water mark" of 46,000 by an additional 4,000. The sales of the Mission Hymnal were 8,894, comparing favourably with 7,797 in 1890. On the other hand, the sales of the old hymn-book, still called the New Congregational, fell to 14,831, about 3,000 less than the previous lowest sale.
CYB 1904 p.51 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 11th May 1903
. . .
STANDING SUB-COMMITTEES.
Finance and Publication Department.
. . . The sales of the Sunday School Hymnal reached a total of 46,628 - much above the average. The Mission Hymnal, in spite of recent additions to its contents, does not command the attention its merits deserve, the demand being only 7,686. The old Congregational Hymn Book sold to the extent of 13,692 copies - a decreasing output sure to eventuate in ultimate withdrawal of the work.
CYB 1905 p.49 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 9th May 1904
. . .
(VI.) During 1903 trade in the Publication Department was well maintained . . . There was a falling off in the sales of the Church Hymnal - the aggregate being nearly 80,000 copies, or some 6,000 copies less than 1902. Of the Sunday School Hymnal, however, 53,000 copies were sold. The Mission Hymnal had a sale of 5,000 copies. The old Congregational Hymn Book moved another step towards the point where the question of withdrawing it will have to be faced. The sales were 12,275. The total sales of hymn books were 150,425, and 113,000 sheets of selected hymns were sold.
CYB 1906 p.106 Committee Report to Annual Assembly, 8h May 1905
. . .
(11) Publication Department.
. . . In the case of the Sunday School Hymnal, the number of sales has passed all earlier records and reached the gratifying aggregate of 53,704 copies, and the issue of a new edition in larger type has proved a welcome departure, promising increased favour and usefulness for this popular book. Of the Mission Hymnal 7,645 copies have been sold. While the Department continues to supply the old Hymn Book so long known under the name of "The New Congregational Hymn Book and Supplement", the demand gradually but surely declines, and is now met by an annual sale of less than 10,000 copies. Some of the larger type editions are nearly exhausted and cannot profitably be reprinted, a fact which deserves the careful attention of those churches which have not yet adopted the Hymnal. Of the several series of separate Hymn Sheets 129,512 copies have been sold. . . .
[ General Annual Report not included in the 1907 Year Book. See separate Council Minutes. (Under the "New Constitution" of 1905, the first meeting of the Council was held in May of that year).
There appear to have been no further references to the N.C.H.B. 1859 or to its 1874 Appendix, as far as Annual Reports are concerned. By 1908 interest was already being expressed in the preparation of a new book, even the 1887 "Barrett" Congregational Hymnal being considered due for replacement.
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(The Rejoice & Sing Enchiridion:edited by David Goodall; last amended 26/1/04)