Handbook to the Mennonite Hymnary

This 1949 handbook is a meticulous guide to the hymns that have shaped Mennonite worship and identity for centuries. Hostetler, a Mennonite theologian, traces each hymn's origins, both musical and textual, revealing the stories of the believers who wrote, compiled, and sang these songs through persecution, migration, and resettlement. The work goes beyond simple commentary. It examines how hymnody functioned as theological education, cultural preservation, and spiritual formation within a tradition that valued simplicity, pacifism, and community. For those unfamiliar with Mennonite history, this book illuminates why a minority religious community would invest such care in documenting their sacred music. The chapters address worship themes, biblical foundations, practical guidance for both private devotion and congregational singing, and the cultural contexts that gave these hymns their power. Hostetler's scholarly rigor makes this essential for serious students of hymnology, while his accessibility ensures it serves congregational leaders seeking deeper meaning in the songs they sing.