The Most Popular Hymnal, Ranked

Choose the hymnal you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:41
Amidst the diverse array of hymnals used across communities and cultures, finding the most cherished ones can seem like a daunting task. Each hymnal carries unique melodies and messages resonating with different congregations. By aggregating preferences, a clearer picture emerges, showcasing which hymnals strike a profound chord with the majority. Through your participation, this list becomes a living reflection of collective admiration and preference. Your contributions enhance the accuracy and relevance of the ranking, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on popular hymnals. This not only enriches the community's experience but also celebrates the rich heritage carried by these sacred songs.

What Is the Most Popular Hymnal?

  1. 1
    58
    votes
    Hymns Ancient and Modern
    ed. William Henry Monk · Public domain
    This hymnal was first published in 1861 and has remained popular since then. It contains traditional hymns as well as contemporary songs.
    Hymns Ancient and Modern is a widely acclaimed hymnal that contains a collection of hymns used in Christian worship. It is considered one of the most popular hymnals, recognized for its comprehensive selection of hymns from different traditions and eras.
    • Publication Date: 1861
    • Number of Hymns: Over 900
    • Historical Significance: Played a major role in the hymn-singing revival of the 19th century
    • Musical Styles: Encompasses different genres including traditional hymns, psalms, chants, and contemporary compositions.
    • Denominational Usage: Widely used by Anglican, Methodist, and other Protestant churches
  2. 2
    11
    votes

    The Baptist Hymnal

    LifeWay Christian Resources
    This hymnal is widely used among Baptist churches in the United States. It was first published in 1956 and contains over 600 hymns.
    The Baptist Hymnal is a widely used hymnal in Baptist churches around the world. It contains a collection of hymns and worship songs that are often sung during Sunday services and other religious gatherings. The hymnal is known for its emphasis on traditional Christian songs and hymns of praise.
    • Publication Date: 2008
    • Number of Hymns: 674
    • Denomination: Baptist
    • Language: English
    • Musical Styles: Traditional, Gospel, Contemporary
  3. 3
    14
    votes

    The United Methodist Hymnal

    The United Methodist Church
    This hymnal is used by United Methodist churches around the world. It was first published in 1989 and contains over 900 hymns.
    The United Methodist Hymnal is a popular hymnal used by the United Methodist Church. It contains a collection of hymns, songs, and liturgical texts used in worship services.
    • Publication Year: 1989
    • Number of Hymns: 894
    • Scripture References: Over 4000
    • Liturgical Resources: Liturgies, prayers, and rituals
    • Singing Styles: Traditional, contemporary, and global
  4. 4
    22
    votes
    This hymnal is used by Lutheran churches in the United States. It was first published in 1978 and contains over 680 hymns.
    The Lutheran Book of Worship is a hymnal that was published in 1978 and used primarily by Lutheran churches in North America. It was created to provide a comprehensive collection of worship resources for Lutheran congregations.
    • Publication Year: 1978
    • Creator: Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship
    • Denomination: Lutheran
    • Primary Use: Worship resource
    • Geographical Focus: North America
  5. 5
    16
    votes

    The Presbyterian Hymnal

    The Presbyterian Church (USA)
    This hymnal is used by Presbyterian churches in the United States. It was first published in 1990 and contains over 600 hymns.
    The Presbyterian Hymnal is a collection of hymns used in worship and liturgical services by the Presbyterian Church. It is widely recognized and esteemed for its rich and diverse selection of traditional and contemporary hymns.
    • Publication Year: 1990
    • Number of Hymns: 664
    • Denomination: Presbyterian
    • Musical Styles: Traditional and Contemporary
    • Liturgical Use: Worship services, Liturgical ceremonies
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    This hymnal is used by Episcopal churches in the United States. It was first published in 1982 and contains over 720 hymns.
  7. 7
    4
    votes
    This hymnal is used by Roman Catholic churches in the United States. It was first published in 1982 and contains over 500 hymns.
    The Catholic Hymnal is a collection of religious songs and hymns commonly used in Catholic churches for worship and prayer.
    • Number of hymns: Most versions contain around 500 to 1000 hymns.
    • Publication date: The first edition was published in 1966, and subsequent editions have been released over the years.
    • Liturgical use: The hymnal provides songs and prayers suitable for different liturgical seasons, sacraments, and religious celebrations.
    • Language: The hymns are typically available in multiple languages, including Latin, English, Spanish, and other commonly spoken languages in Catholic regions.
    • Versatility: The hymnal includes a variety of musical styles, from Gregorian chants and classical compositions to contemporary Christian songs.
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    This hymnal is used by Seventh-day Adventist churches around the world. It was first published in 1985 and contains over 600 hymns.
    The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal is a widely used hymnbook within the Adventist community, containing a collection of hymns and songs used for worship and praise during Sabbath services and other religious gatherings.
    • Number of hymns: 695
    • Includes responsive readings: Yes
    • Published in: 1985
    • Available in languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and others
    • Contains liturgical resources: Yes
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    This hymnal contains hymns and spirituals that are significant to African American culture. It was first published in 2001 and contains over 500 hymns.
    The African American Heritage Hymnal is a widely recognized and revered hymnal within the African American Christian community. It is a collection of hymns, spiritual songs, and gospel tunes that celebrate the rich cultural and musical heritage of African Americans in worship.
    • Publication Date: 2001
    • Number of Hymns: 674
    • Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational
    • Musical Styles: Traditional hymns, gospel, spirituals, and contemporary gospel
    • Inclusion of African American Composers: Significant representation
  10. 10
    1
    votes

    Praise! Our Songs and Hymns

    John W. Peterson
    This hymnal is used by many evangelical churches in the United States. It was first published in 1992 and contains over 800 hymns and contemporary songs.
    Praise! Our Songs and Hymns is a widely recognized and popular hymnal that is commonly used in Christian worship. It features a diverse collection of songs and hymns from various traditions and time periods, providing a rich and comprehensive selection for congregational singing.
    • Publication Date: 1987
    • Number of Hymns: over 600
    • Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational
    • Song Styles: Traditional, Gospel, Contemporary
    • Musical Notation: Standard notation with chords

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Ranking factors for popular hymnal

  1. Number of copies sold
    The popularity of a hymnal can be determined by the number of copies that have been sold or distributed. The more copies sold, the more popular the hymnal.
  2. Longevity
    A hymnal that has stood the test of time and continues to be used by congregations over the years is an indication of its popularity.
  3. Denomination usage
    Hymnals that are widely used across multiple denominations and churches are likely more popular than those limited to a specific denomination or region.
  4. Variety of hymns
    A popular hymnal will typically have a diverse range of hymns, catering to various themes, occasions, and styles of worship.
  5. Inclusion in worship services
    Hymnals that are regularly used as part of worship services, with many congregations incorporating them into their liturgical practices, are likely more popular.
  6. Quality of content
    The content of the hymnal, including the selection of hymns, their arrangement, and accompanying music, all contribute to its popularity. Well-curated and high-quality content will make a hymnal more widely enjoyed and utilized.
  7. Accessibility
    Hymnals that are easy to read, with clear print and straightforward navigation, will likely be more popular among users.
  8. Cultural impact
    A hymnal's impact on the broader culture, including its influence on other forms of music, art, and literature, can indicate its popularity and significance.
  9. Testimonials and endorsements
    Positive feedback from church leaders, musicians, and worshippers can boost a hymnal's popularity. Endorsements from influential figures within the Christian community can also lend credibility and raise awareness.
  10. Online presence
    A hymnal's online presence, including availability in digital formats and engagement on social media platforms, can contribute to its popularity among modern worshippers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular hymnal. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Hymnbook is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1193 views
  • 147 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Hymnbook once every 24 hours. The rank of each Hymnbook is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular hymnal

Hymnals have been an important part of Christian worship for centuries, providing a collection of hymns and songs for congregational singing. Over time, many different hymnals have been published, each with its own unique selection of songs and styles. The popularity of hymnals can vary depending on factors such as denomination, region, and cultural background. Some hymnals may be more traditional in style, while others may include more contemporary songs. In recent years, there has been a trend towards using digital resources for worship music, but many churches and individuals still prefer the physicality and familiarity of a hymnal. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which hymnal is the most popular. However, by examining sales figures and usage among churches and individuals, we can begin to get a sense of which hymnals are most widely used and appreciated.

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