Churches of Christ Hymn Book: Music and Words
Non-Fiction Spirituality Christian Hymnal Religious Music Australian Christian History Worship Resource Vintage Songbook
The 1976 hardcover “Churches of Christ Hymn Book: Music and Words” is the treasured Australian edition that generations grew up singing from. At 594 pages it is the complete compendium—both melody line and full lyrics—for the classic 200-plus hymns that define the a-cappella Churches of Christ tradition: from “Be Still, My Soul” and “A Mighty Fortress” to the Australian favourites “In the Heart of the Outback” and “God of the Dancing Earth.” Printed on heavy cream paper and bound in sturdy cloth, this vintage volume sits open on a piano or pew without forcing the spine, making it as practical for worship leaders as it is nostalgic for former Bible-college students.
What makes this particular copy sought-after is its clean, unread condition. Apart from light shelf-bumps to the lower page edges there is no foxing, no previous-owner marks, no dog-eared corners, and the binding is still drum-tight—rare for a 47-year-old book that was actually used in services. The 1976 imprint is already scarce in the second-hand market; most copies stayed in church libraries and were replaced by later compilations, so unmarked examples now command premium interest among collectors of Australian Christiana.
Beyond rarity, the book is a window on Australian religious history. The hymnal committee adapted American and British repertoire for colonial congregations, added home-grown titles, and retained the four-shape note heads that let even non-music-readers sight-sing in parts. Whether you are restoring a heritage meeting-house, researching the Stone-Campbell movement in the South Pacific, or simply want the same hymnal your grandparents carried to Sunday night sings, this hardcover delivers authentic 1970s Australian Churches of Christ culture in one beautifully preserved package.
Refer to our eBay listing for a full condition report and many more high-quality pictures of this item.
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