Baptists have a long and rich heritage of congregational song. The hymns Baptists have sung and the books from which they have sung them have been shaping forces for Baptist theology, worship, and piety. Baptist authors and composers have provided songs that have made an impact not only among Baptists in America but also across denominational and geographic lines. Congregational singing continues to be a key component of Baptist worship in the twenty-first century. Beginning with an overview of the British background, this book is a survey of the history of Baptist hymnody in America from Baptist beginnings in the New World to the present. Its intent is to help the reader better understand the background against which current Baptist congregational song practices operate. Unlike earlier writings on the subject, this book provides both comprehensive coverage and a continuous narrative. It gives thorough attention to the major Baptist bodies in America as well as calling attention to the contributions of significant smaller groups. The British Baptist background is dealt with in an introductory section. The book also includes many texts and tunes as illustrations of the topics being discussed and focuses on some of the contributions of Baptist authors and composers to the repertory of congregational song. Book jacket.

Includes section "Reviews of recent literature."

The essays in Pilgrim Pathways: Essays in Baptist History in Honour of B.R. White explores the lasting influence of one of the most prominent scholars of the history of Christianity. Topics examined in this book include: Baptist identity in light of historic patterns and transatlantic treatments, the theology of children, the rise of Baptist hymnody as an indicator of Baptist piety, and the application of Baptist principles in context. Readers will find this an indispensible book for understanding both the ideas of White and the early history of Protestantism in Europe.