Sometimes I have a thought (or two, or three) that is in need of development. Sometimes I have developed thoughts in need of expression and articulation. This blog will play host to some of that articulation.
Part of my idea for this blog is to center around church music. I have a collection and I’d like to share it with the world. One of the highlights of my year is teaching at The Singing School at Abilene Christian University. It’s worth it to me to box up 200+ church music books, just so my students can actually see what their instructors are talking about. Sometimes I wish that I could spend a few moments sharing why each of those books is special, what unique features they have, and why they’re worth having in a collection. For the most part, though, the classroom is not the place for that. For the last year I’ve tossed the idea about creating a personal blog to share my collection.
Some of the books I have are for sale. As I post information about books for sale, I’ll let you know which they are. This is a great way to build a library.
I also enjoy personal epiphanies on a semi-regular basis. These may involve things which you’ve already come to grips with, but they’re new to me. These may be political, sociological, or psychological, but often as not they’ll be theological. If this blog makes you think about something for the first time, or in along novel lines of inquiry, then I will consider it a success. On the other hand, if it’s simply a repository for my thoughts, I’ll probably be happy with that, too.
I thrive on feedback (who doesn’t?): let me know what you think; share this blog with others who might find it interesting.
HymnalCollector 
Maybe there SHOULD be a class in Singing School that is specifically devoted to just hymnals? Or maybe incorporate them into Joe’s “story time” class? Just seems like there could be more you can do with them after lugging them all the way to Abilene. (Maybe a museum one day?) 🙂
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Aaron, a Geek-level hymnalology course? I’d have too much fun. I’m working on my Master’s (slowly!) and before too long will have to decide on a thesis. I don’t have a specific idea along these lines yet, but if I could use my hymnal collection as source material, that would be fantastic. Maybe something along the lines of The History of the American Churches of Christ as Seen Through Her Hymnals (1850s-2011). Just a thought…
Thanks for dropping by and commenting!
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Well my friend, as unlikely as it is that I will have much to say about your collection of song books… It is good to see that we may once again share the odd bit of banter.
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Justin, I seem to remember breaking out Louisiana’s own Songs of the Church (1971) on more than one occasion in your home, specifically to sing He Will Pilot Me. I’m sure there’s a little bit of appreciation for these books, even from you. I do look forward to continuing our discussions, though – “just like old times.” Keep me honest and on my toes! It’s great to hear from you.
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Very interested in this topic. Searched for songs not in later printings of “Songs ofthe Church” – finally found a copy at Lipscomb U. library, and later, one in possession of a friend. Song # 340, Majestic Lord of All, was replaced with a different song in later printings. It was recorded by The Meistersingers (Charles Cox, Alton Howard), but my copy of tape (LP) #6 is not good – I would love to find another one of the #6 LP or tape to copy to tape and/or CD. Do you have one? email please: ******@scrtc.com
NOTE: Comment edited to remove the email address. We wouldn’t want Dr. Moss to get spamed from posting his email. If you do have a copy of the recording for which he’s asking, please make an additional comment and I’ll make sure you can connect with him.
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I have recently purchased LPs 2 through 10. They have no copyright or date on them. Please send me an email to get a copy. My LP6 has Majestic Lord Of All on it, song number 17 on that LP.
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