Where would one look for a medium that will properly stimulate spontaneous expression of religious emotion comparable to that of the congregational song service? It is a well-known fact that many are led to accept Jesus through the direct power of song.
Musical education in the public schools, and the wide influence of the radio, have resulted in an entirely new musical taste, as compared with that of twenty or twenty-five years ago. Some feel that because of this our church music should be as modern and as catchy in melody and rhythm as a popular secular tune. But we should always remember that our beautiful hymns are the epitome of devout and sincere religious expression, and serve today as a steadying influence, counteracting tendencies toward trivial church music, ragtime, and jazz.
Nearly every hymn has great instructive possibilities, and the wise minister, will study his hymns from this viewpoint. The language of our hymns is direct, concise, and easily understood; and when repeatedly sung to a tune equally concise and easy of comprehension, serves to bear in upon the mind the truth the hymn is designed to convey.
It is the failure of many evangelists and ministers to recognize the power and value of our best hymns, that leads them to turn to the modern catchy song of lilting rhythm in the hope of interesting and holding the attention of the people, especially the youth. This is an all too common mistake, and we as gospel workers should take it upon ourselves to correct it. Nothing can be substituted for the dignified hymn as a didactic agent when attractively presented.
In evangelistic campaigns the responsibility of proper music rests upon the music director. It is therefore his duty to see that the dignity of our beautiful hymns is upheld. The casual, chance consideration some leaders give to the hymns sung by their congregations accounts for much of the indifference to congregational songs in some churches; the careless, lifeless singing of others, and the resort to a cheap, rhythmical type of hymnody in which the momentary influence of a marked rhythm is accepted as a substitute for the spirit of deep reflection produced by our best hymns. Two main factors constitute the basis for most of these difficulties,—the failure to give the hymnal its larger place in the life of the people, and the absence of a program of education in church hymnody and in its appreciation. The leader's preparation for carrying on this work in a quiet, effective way will bring a reward as definite as it is certain, not only in terms of better singing, but in the increasing ability of the congregation to appreciate fully the message of its hymns.
Pasco, Wash.
