Christian Science Hymnal

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The Christian Science Hymnal is a collection of hymns sanctioned for use in Christian Science practice services including Sunday services and Wednesday evening testimony meetings, as well as in occasional informal hymn sings. It includes both traditional Christian hymns, traditional hymns with minor adaptations better suiting Christian Science theology, and hymns unique to Christian Science, including seven poems by the denomination's founder Mary Baker Eddy set to various tunes: Christmas Morn, Love, Satisfied, Mother's Evening Prayer, Communion Hymn, and Feed My Sheep. The hymns I Need Thee Every Hour, I'm a Pilgrim, and I'm a Stranger, and Eternity are included.

The first formal hymnal appeared in 1898; its form as the commonly red-covered 1910 edition lasted until the revision of 1932, somewhat expanded and with some modifications, the standard through the present day, typically in first blue, then brown cover, with an octagonal emboss of the Original Mother Church tower and Extension dome. Settings of the second and third poems above first appeared with the 1932 edition.

The hymns are primarily alphabetical by first line, some with different tune settings, and include note of author, tune composer, meter, and use by permission. 400 basic hymns appear (241 appeared in the 1910 edition), with a supplement of 29 in a separate appendix. Index listings include tunes alphabetically, tunes metrically, composers and sources, tempo indications, authors and sources, and first lines.

During the early 1980s, exploratory work was undertaken into a third edition, with many new tunes and texts planned for inclusion. But as the church experienced unusually intense dispute and distrust over the financial crisis resulting from the media expansion and publication of the highly controversial The Destiny of The Mother Church, and as priorities were adjusted, the project was shelved in 1988. In late 2008, a new supplement containing 33 additional hymn settings was published. The Church is accepting submissions of hymns and hymn tunes, with the expectation of issuing additional supplements in the future.