HYMNS ETC. - Hymn & Anthem Commissions
Our Offer. We accept commissions to write new hymn texts and tunes from individuals, churches, and organizations.
Why. New music is often commissioned in memory of a loved one, in recognition of an individual's gifts or contributions, or in celebration of a baptism, anniversary, dedication, or other special event. It is also a way of encouraging poets and composers to write new hymns that address biblical material or new concerns not addressed in available hymns.
How. Persons commissioning a work sometimes provide a theme or scripture as the basis for the text, and suggest voicing and instrumentation for the tune. Fees are negotiable. Anthem settings for the hymns require an extra fee. The person or group commissioning the hymn usually have free use of it, but the lyricist and composer retain the copyrights.
Some examples:
• A member of the United Church of Christ in Beresford, SD, was organizing an Ecumenical Community Service of Lessons and Carols in memory of his late wife, and commissioned us to write a Christmas carol for the event in her honor. Since she loved angels, we used angels as our theme for the hymn. The result was Surprised by Angels (EVONNE). free download of the hymn
• When Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church in Kensington, MD, was getting ready to celebrate its 115th anniversary in 2008, the church commissioned us to write a new hymn for the occasion. Several months ahead of time, we led an intergenerational retreat to help members explore the hymn writing process and contribute their ideas to the new text. Sing of A People (WARNER MEMORIAL) is truly their hymn. free download of the hymn
• The Fine Arts Board of the Presbyterian Church of LaPorte, Indiana, commissioned us to write a hymn to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The text, which was based on Genesis 1-2:4, was used as a congregational responsive affirmation of faith in worship on May 1, 2011, and an anthem setting was sung by the choir.
First Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C. commissioned us to write a new hymn for the dedication of its unique new building in the heart of the city. “God, Who Called Us through the Prophets” was sung as a congregational hymn in morning worship on February 26, 2012, and at the dedication of the new church that afternoon. John attended the dedication service.
More of our Commissioned Hymns
"How Glad We Are to Be Alive" (CARLETON), commissioned by the Carleton College Class of 1956 in honor of their 50th reunion. The hymn was sung again in 2011 at the Carleton Alumni Service of Remembrance and celebration.
Come, Believers in the Gospel (GREAT ENDS), commissioned for the Montreat 2003 Conference on Music and Worship by the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. The anthem setting for SATB and piano with opt. treble voices, trumpet, and handbells, is available from MorningStar Music Publishers (MSM-50-6037.) Excerpt from “Come, Believers in the Gospel”
