Welcome to the website of
The Hymn Society of
Great Britain and Ireland
- encouraging study and research in Hymnody
- promoting good standards of hymn-singing
- encouraging the discerning use of hymns and songs in worship
- sponsoring relevant publications
HSGBI Annual Conference
This year this society celebrates 90 years of commitment to exploring, encouraging, understanding and supporting hymnody.
Join us for our Festival Conference in July for a celebrated programme of speakers, singing, meeting old friends, and making new ones.
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What is The Hymn Society?
It is a diverse group of people, all sharing an interest in hymns. There are about 450 individual members (and over 50 subscribing libraries and other institutions). Some have a special interest in words and/or music, there are hymn writers, composers, hymn book editors; many members are responsible for the choice of hymns in worship, others are hymn enthusiasts or simply enjoy singing hymns.
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London Regional Event Saturday, 25 April 2026
Take a day to explore some fascinating areas of hymnody past and present, with some excellent expert speakers, and plenty of singing. This is designed to be an interesting and informative day for all those interested in hymns, as well as those with a ‘specialist’ interest as hymn writer, academic, clergy or church musician.
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Hymns in the Court Trials?
In Lutheran Sweden, hymns often accompanied Court trials, right into the early 20th century. What was going on? Read the article by Prof Susanne Wigorts Yngvesson, of the University College Stockholm.
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Call for Papers: Music and Ritual
Peer-reviewed academic journal Religions (published in Switzerland by MDPI) is issuing a call for papers for a special issue on 'Music and Ritual in the Religious Contexts'.
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A number of brief papers on different aspects of hymnody which may be of interest and use to anyone with a love of hymns. These are free to read online or download and print out.
Open the Treasures
Treasures from our Bulletins
A carefully selected collection of articles taken from the archives of past Bulletins of the Hymn Society of Great Britain & Ireland, published since 1937. The full collection of Bulletins are available to members.
Secretary's Newsletters
Secretary's Newsletters
Included with our quarterly Bulletin is a seasonal newsletter from our Executive. The newsletter contains a variety of information related to the Society and the wider world of Hymnology.
More Information
Hymnology Collections
Around the UK and Ireland are libraries that hold hymnology collections in their archives. Here we list some with their location and further information about what is contained, who to contact and opening times. The executive wish to extend our thanks to Christine Purcell who works with the Pratt Green Library in Durham and the various libraries that have provided the information. We hope this will provide a useful resource.
IN MEMORIAM – Rt Revd Timothy Dudley-Smith OBE
We note with sorrow the death on 12th August 2024 of Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith, the leading hymn writer of his…
Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Hymn Texts
Hymn Texts This page contains links to a growing number of hymn texts. Some are set to familiar tunes other…
Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Membership
Membership of The Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland If you are an existing member who has not yet…
Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland
‘What does it Mean to Sing a Hymn?’
What does it mean to sing a hymn? What does it mean to sing a hymn? Are these just empty…