COMING THIS NOVEMBER, for the first time in 76 years, a new Hymnal Supplement! This 2008 supplement contains new inspiring and healing hymns written and arranged by Christian Scientists today, as well as hymn texts from the current Hymnal set to contemporary music. We hope you will enjoy singing these hymns as much as we have loved collecting and publishing them. These songs are offered to support the healing and joy of our church services and your practice of Christian Science.
As we reviewed the history of our Hymnal, it was surprising to all of us that a supplement was not issued sooner. In Mary Baker Eddy's day there was a succession of new or revised Hymnals. In 1892 The Christian Science Publishing Society published the first Hymnal, with revisions in 1898, 1903, 1905, and 1909. The most significant revision was done in 1932—the Hymnal that we still use today. It includes a Supplement in the back, Hymns 401–429. These songs were added very late in the revision process, and were approved by the Christian Science Board of Directors as a way to include hymns that would be easy to sing and play in small congregations. Two of Mary Baker Eddy's poems—"Satisfied" and "Love"—made their Hymnal debut in the 1932 version.
As some members know, a new Hymnal Committee was assembled in the late 1980s and early '90s. There was much diligent work, as new music and words were collected and written. While no new publication resulted at that time, we have reviewed that body of work and are enormously grateful for the dedication and inspiration of that committee. In fact, one of its members serves on the current Hymnal Supplement Committee. The healing steps already taken are blessing our efforts today.
