Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov 16/60

Contributor - Rev. John Helmus

Title - Our Hymns And Church Music

Topic - Music

"Next to theology I give to music the highest place and honor". Luther did not only say this, but he was also the one who began to instruct the Protestant Church in music which has hardly been surpassed since. Luther brought not only the Reformation as we usually think of it, but he also began a new day in church music. We are still echoing the songs of the nightingale of Wittenberg".

What is second only to theology in our churches? Often we treat the sermon as the only thing of importance, while the rest of the service is dismissed as preliminary or treated rather carelessly. What about the music and particularly the hymns in our churches?

"Music is love in search of words", someone has said. If our hymns are to be an expression Of our love and devotion to God, as well as an expression of prayer and confession, should we not be very careful in choosing the right hymn book in our churches? This leads us to the question: Which hymn book is most suitable for our Reformed Churches in Canada?

The new Constitution (as far known to this writer) leaves the choice of hymn book wide open with these words: "Hymns to be used in public worship should be in harmony with the Standards of the Reformed Church in America". (Art. 9; Sec. 8). This statement is definite, broad, but inadequate. Nothing is said about the music. Should that not also be in good harmony with sound principles? What is our musical standard? Is that only subject to the likes and dislikes of consistories and ministers who are often completely ignorant when it comes to matters of music? For the subject of our hymns we have constitutional guidance but what about the music? What about the rhythm, melody and harmony of our hymns?

We have a heritage so rich in this respect, that even the most critical ear would take the Dutch Psalms and "gezangen" over most hymn books on this continent. Yet, we as immigrants are often guilty of gross neglect and innocent ignorance in matters of music. After we have sacrificed our beautiful, stately and impressive psalms, (some exceptions we will admit) we adapt scrappy hymns and tunes which please the ear, but which can not even shadow most of what we have left behind.

Far be it from us to be adverse to new hymns which are often excellent. We have learned to love them, and have memorized many of them. We also should cherish our musical heritage but we have little sympathy for a fisherman from Maassluis who rebelled against a new version of the psalms with these words:

"Jae wel; ze willen met Saetans geweld ier nieuwe Zalmen ebben, maar Klaes eit ook kneukels an zen lijf. Wij willen Daevis Zalmen ouwen, al zou Maassluis 't onderste boven ... Ik, en men oude wijf Neeltje Gerrits ebben die al zestig jaar@ lang met stichting ezongen, dat et over den diek dreunde."

(Beknopte Geschiedenis van het Kerklied, G. Van der Leeuw, 1948, p. 195).

All good hymns have not been composed, neither are we to think that psalms are the only vehicle of true worship. The subject of the Psalms is plainly Old Testament, while we live under the light of the resurrection. Why should we impoverish our faith, by neglecting the great hymns which express our New Testament faith better than psalms do. But worse still, why should we ignore "The treasure of David?"

Let us face the facts. There is a tremendous difference between "God heb ik lief, want die getrouwe Heer...", and "Jesus Loves Me This I Know". . And such "hymns as "Brighten the Corner Where You Are", "Dwelling in Beulah Land", and "In the Garden" lend themselves remarkably to rock and roll treatment". (Life Fehr. 11, 1957). Nevertheless, some of the above tunes have become the favorites of those who used to sing the stately Dutch Church music. (It may be of some comfort to some to know that even much O., our Dutch music was salvaged from street corners and taverns.)

We may safely conclude that not all hymns are good, neither are they all bad. But what then should be our standard? Or is church music only relative to certain situations? It is very difficult to set a concrete standard for something as abstract as music. Some general principles should, however, give us guidance when we choose our hymn book. Here are a few for guidance.

1. Let the music be worshipful. Music which does more to our feet than for our heart should be banned from the church service forever.

2. Church music should be free from worldly association. Music which reminds us of the juke box rather than Jehovah is not in place in the church.

3. The music should be singable by a congregation. This means that a song in which even the sopranos have to stand on their toes in order to climb the tone ladder is "out" for congregational singing.

4. Go slow on the "I and me" songs. This does not mean that a Christian may not like these songs, but it does mean that he should sing them while taking a bath or so, but do not except the whole congregation to love your favorites.

5. Let experts in music have something to say about our church music because: "Broadly speaking, childlike people love rhythm; many of the common people have learned to enjoy melody; real musicians also insist upon harmony", Andrew Blackwood, The Fine Art of Public Worship, 1949).

6. Respect the desires and the need of the local congregation. There is little need for "speaking in tongues" when it comes to music.

Music is a matter of education like many other things. For the praise of our God let us set our standards high.

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