Hymn and Song Books of the United Church

October 14, 2023
More Voices hymnbook

It is interesting to trace the life and work of The United Church of Canada and its worship resources since the union of the Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, and Union churches in 1925. Below is a timeline of hymn and song books used by the United Church (published by The United Church Publishing House unless otherwise noted). If you have a favourite that you don’t see listed, please let us know!

1922:   The Ukrainian Book of Praise (published jointly by the Home Mission Boards of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches in Canada, in anticipation of church union)

1930:   The Hymnary of The United Church of Canada

1935:   Hymns of the Church: A Companion to the Hymnary of The United Church of Canada by Alexander MacMillan (a history of hymnody)

1937:   Songs for Little Children

1939:   The Canadian Youth Hymnal

1948:   Songs of the Gospel

1967:   Bless the Lord: Songs and Hymns for Young Children

1971:   The Hymn Book of the Anglican Church of Canada and the United Church of Canada

1971:   The Cree-English Hymnbook: The United Church of Canada (published by Manitoba Conference)

1976:   If Such Holy Song: The Story of the Hymns in The Hymn Book 1971 by Stanley L. Osborne (published by The Institute of Church Music, Ontario)

1988:   Songs for a Gospel People: A Supplement to The Hymn Book (published by Wood Lake Books for Alberta and Northwest Conference and British Columbia Conference)

1992:   All God’s Children Sing: The Children’s Music Resource (published by Wood Lake Books for Alberta and Northwest Conference and the Division of Christian Development of The United Church of Canada)

1996:   Voices United: The Hymn and Worship Book of The United Church of Canada

1999:   Joyful Noise: Songs of Faith & Fun for Children

2007:   More Voices: Supplement to Voices United (The United Church Publishing House and Wood Lake Publishing, Inc.)

2015:   Worship in the City: Prayers and Songs for Urban Settings

2016:   Nos Voix Unis: Recueil de chants en français (L’Eglise Unis du Canada/The United Church of Canada)

2025:   Then Let Us Sing! (to be released)