The Hymn Writers of Early Pennsylvania

Title details unique cultural aspect of the Commonwealth

Author's Book Is a Repository of Historically Significant Hymns

Title details unique cultural aspect of the Commonwealth

2009-01-22


LONGWOOD, FL--William Penn's promise of religious freedom brought many diverse religious groups to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the 17th and 18th centuries. Along with these groups came pre-existing hymns and hymn tunes, as well as original texts and music, some of which will be recognizable to audiences today. In The Hymn Writers of Early Pennsylvania ($13.99, paperback, 978-1-60647-520-1), a new release from Christian self-publisher Xulon Press, author Lucy E. Carroll, DMA, examines the hymns of the 1694 Wissahickon settlement under Johannes Kelpius, the 18th century Ephrata Cloister of Conrad Beissel, and the hymn life of the Bethlehem Moravian Unitas Fratrum. Also included are works from William Kirkpatrick, John Wyeth, William Gustavus Fischer, Francis Hopkinson, Eleanor C. Donnelly, and many more.

Regarding her book, which details a historically unique and compelling hymn background, Carroll says, "The book is of interest to historians, hymnists, church musicians, all Christians, and all who are interested in the development of hymnody in this corner of America. It includes my transcriptions of one the earliest original pieces of music written in the colonies."

Ever since learning to play the pipe organ at age 10, Carroll has dedicated her life to the preservation of sacred music. This book, which is a product of the author's 30 years of research on the early settlements, represents an important contribution to American history. Though many of the texts are archaic in language and style, they show ways of praising and petitioning God--and offer symbolism and mysticism--that are still relevant today.

 

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