Signature Hymns

Individuals and congregations all have their favorite hymns -- hymns they like because of the meaning of the words, the beauty of the harmony, the quality of the melody, the emotional impact of the hymn, or perhaps because of some past association with the hymn. But denominations also have signature hymns, that is, hymns that have great historical or theological connection and significance. Signature hymns may also be denominational favorites, although not necessarily; but they have found almost universal acceptance within the denomination and an understanding of their special and unique ability to express the history, even identity, of a denomination. To be a denominational signature hymn, a hymn must have a singularly unique association with that denomination -- theological, historical, biographical.

Some time ago I contacted a number of pastors and musicians working in different denominations and asked them to identify the signature hymns of their denomination, being careful to distinguish between signature hymns and favorite hymns. Despite the distinction, numerous responses were received identifying "Amazing Grace" as a signature hymn. There is no doubt that this hymn is a favorite of many Christians in many denominations; but in admitting that, we have removed from it any status of "signature": it cannot be applied to one denomination if it can be applied to many.

Here follows a summary of the responses to my survey asking denominational pastors and musicians to identify their signature hymns. It is not a scientific survey, and I make no claim other than that it reflects the opinions of those denominational experts.

• Baptist: "All hail the power" (CORONATION)
  "Crown Him with many crowns"
  "It is well with my soul"
  "The old rugged Cross"
  
• Southern Baptist: "Victory in Jesus"
  "There is power in the blood"
  "How Great Thou Art"
  I shall not be moved"
  "Blest be the tie that binds"
  "To God be the glory"
  "All hail the power" (CORONATION)
  "All hail the power" (DIADEM)
  
• Christian Reformed: "By the sea of crystal"
  
• Church of Christ: "Be with me Lord"
  
• Church of God (Anderson, Indiana): "The family of God"
  "I am a child of God"
  "I'm redeemed"
  
• Church of God in Christ: "Yes, Lord"
  
• Episcopal/Anglican: "Alleluia, sing to Jesus" (HYFRYDOL)
  "For all the saints" (SINE NOMINE)
  "Hail, Thee, festival day" (SALVE FESTE DIES)
  "All glory, laud, and honor" (ST THEODOLPUS)
  "All hail the power" (CORONATION)
  "O master, let me walk with Thee
  "Breathe on me breath of God" (NOVA VITA)
  "Just as I am"
  "Beneath the Cross of Jesus"
  "Christ is made the sure foundation"
  "O day of peace that dimly shines"
  "St Patrick's Breastplate"
  
• Episcopal (African American): "Lift every voice and sing"
  
• Evangelical Covenant Church of America: "How great Thou art"
  "Children of the Heavenly Father"
  
• Free Methodist: "And can it be"
  
• Lutheran: "A mighty fortress is our God"
  "Beautiful Savior"
  "Lift High the Cross" (CRUCIFER)
  "Children of the Heavenly Father"
  "Build on the Rock, the Church doth stand"
  "God's Word is our strong heritage and shall be ours forever"
  "Let all things now dwelling" (ASH GROVE)
  "Earth and all stars/Thy strong Word"
  
• Mennonite: "In the rifted rock I'm resting"
  "Praise God from whom all blessings flow" (Boston Handel tune)
  
• Metropolitan Community: "We are the church alive"
  "Whosoever, surely meaneth me"
  
• Moravian: "Sing hallelujah, praise the Lord" (BECHLER)
  "Jesus makes my heart rejoice"
  "The Savior's blood and righteousness"
  
• Mormon: "Come, come ye saints"
  "We thank Thee, O God, for a prophet"
  "I am a child of God"
  "I stand all amazed"
  "God be with you till we meet again"
  "I know that my redeemer lives"
  "The Spirit of God"
  "Now let us rejoice"
  
• Nazarene: "Called unto holiness"
  "Holiness unto the Lord"
  "Glorious freedom"
  
• Pentecostal: "I'll fly away"
  
• Presbyterian: "All creatures that on earth do dwell" (OLD HUNDREDTH)
  "The Lord's my Shepherd" (CRIMOND, EVAN, or BROTHER JAMES' AIR)
  
• Roman Catholic: "Pange lingua gloriosi"
  "Salve regina"
  "Ubi caritas"
  "Come, Holy Ghost"
  "Faith of our fathers"
  "Holy God, we praise Thy name"
  "On eagle's wings"
  "Magnificat" (Talbot)
  "Immaculate Mary"
  "O bone Jesu"
  
• Salvation Army: "O boundless salvation"
  "Praise God, I'm saved"
  
• Seventh Day Adventist: "Jesus is coming again"
  "We have this hope"
  
• Unitarian Universalist: "Faith of the larger liberty"
  "Spirit of life"
  
• United Church of Christ: "We gather together"
  "Part of the family"
  
• United Methodist: "O for a thousand tongues to sing"
  "Love divine, all loves excelling"
  "And can it be"
  "Here I am, Lord"