The Book of Hymns of 1917

Abstract

Daniel Bondow’s essay explores the historical development, publication, and impact of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s 1917 Book of Hymns. More than a songbook, the hymnal served as a devotional guide, teaching tool, and unifying force in worship. Bondow traces its origins from the German-language Gesangbuch to the English-language Church Hymnal of 1911, culminating in the 1917 hymnal compiled by Rev. Otto Hagedorn. The essay details the publication process, classification systems, musical innovations, and liturgical content, comparing the Book of Hymns with other contemporary hymnals. Bondow highlights the hymnal’s role in transitioning WELS congregations to English worship while preserving doctrinal purity and Lutheran heritage. Though modest in size, the hymnal laid groundwork for future collaboration within the Synodical Conference, ultimately leading to The Lutheran Hymnal of 1941. Bondow concludes that the 1917 hymnal was a pivotal step in shaping WELS worship and identity. Abstract generated with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).