Historic & Foundational Hymnals

These shaped the early development of English hymnody.

• The Bay Psalm Book (1640) First book printed in British North America.
• Hymns and Spiritual Songs (Isaac Watts, 1707) Often called the father of English hymnody.
• A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists (John Wesley, 1780) Central to Methodist identity.
• Olney Hymns (1779) Includes “Amazing Grace,” by John Newton and William Cowper.

Denominational Classics (1800s–1900s)

Methodist

• The Methodist Hymnal (1905, 1935)
• The United Methodist Hymnal (1989)

Baptist

• The Baptist Hymnal (1956, 1975, 1991, 2008)

Presbyterian

• The Presbyterian Hymnal (1990)
• Glory to God (2013)

Lutheran

• The Lutheran Hymnal (1941)
• Lutheran Book of Worship (1978)
• Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006)

Anglican / Episcopal

• Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861)
• The English Hymnal (1906)
• The Hymnal 1940
• The Hymnal 1982

Catholic

• St. Gregory Hymnal (1920)
• Worship series (GIA Publications)
• Gather series (GIA)
• Breaking Bread (OCP)

Evangelical & Revivalist Hymnals

These shaped 19th–20th century revival movements.

• Gospel Hymns (Moody & Sankey, 1870s–1890s)
• Great Hymns of the Faith (1968)
• Songs of Faith and Praise (1994, Churches of Christ)

Modern & Contemporary Hymnals

Blending traditional hymns with contemporary worship.

• Celebration Hymnal (1997)
• Hymns for the Family of God (1976)
• Sing! (Getty Music, 2010s)
• Lift Up Your Hearts (2013, CRC & RCA)
• Common Praise (1998, Anglican Church of Canada)

Ecumenical & Broad‑Use Hymnals

Used across multiple denominations.

• The New Century Hymnal (1995, UCC)
• The Worshiping Church (1990)
• The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration