Classification scheme:
XV-75
Title: Hymnal Council fonds
Dates of creation: 1990-1991
Physical description: 9 cm of textual material
Administrative history: The Hymnal Council was formed in 1983 by representatives of the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church, and General Conference Mennonite Church with the aim of co-publishing a hymnal by 1992. The Council divided its work among three committees: worship, music, and text. The Council completed its work in 1991; Hymnal : a worship book was published in 1992.
The Council faced the challenges of balancing both familiar and new hymns, accounting for a variety of worship styles, and introducing cultural and linguistic diversity. Its primary challenge became how to accommodate inclusive (non-sexist) language in hymn texts. Its mandate included creating a substantial section of worship resources (prayers, litanies, Scripture readings).
Custodial history: Donated to the Archives by John Rempel, about 1991.
Scope and content: The fonds consists of materials gathered by John Rempel, a member of the worship committee. It includes various lists of potential hymns, a packet of worship resources prepared by the worship committee which includes a rationale for their choices, and a nearly-complete hymnal draft heavily annotated by John Rempel; possibly the draft used by the Council in the final decision making process.
Notes: Original description created by Laureen Harder-Gissing in 2012.
File list:
- Correspondence and title lists
- Packet of worship resources prepared by the Worship committee
- Hymnal draft