Graduate Program

Music

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2005

Thesis Director

Peter Hesterman

Thesis Committee Member

David Hobbs

Thesis Committee Member

Peter Loewen

Abstract

The focus of this study is to demonstrate that the language used to write the texts for sacred music of the Methodist Church including psalms, hymns, camp meeting songs, Negro spirituals, and gospel music has been adapted throughout history to meet the changing spiritual needs of society.

This thesis reveals details about the lyrics of sacred songs from the sixteenth through the twentieth centuries that are pertinent to historic and modern Methodist music. Furthermore, it includes comparisons of numerous song texts and Bible verses. These compositions exhibit the most eminent church leaders' and composers' works from each stage of Methodist music for the purpose of helping the reader understand the historical background, development, and functions of sacred songs used in Methodist worship services.

Sacred song lyrics slowly changed from the sixteenth century to the present. Martin Luther adapted existing songs by translating them from Latin to German. Using these compositions, he gradually incorporated congregational singing into worship services. His work gave a foundation to future church leaders and song composers. John and Charles Wesley used Luther's work as a model for their ministries and compositions. They altered the scripture-based songs by including translations, adding dialects, paraphrasing scripture, and using poetry. The results of their work had a profound impact on European and American hymnody.

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