History
History
I will sing unto the Lord As long as I live: I will sing praise to my God While I have my being.
-Psalm 104:33

Elder Lee Hanks, then of Atlanta, published the first edition of the Old School Hymnal in 1920. For the next four decades, Elder R. H. Pittman of Luray, Virginia, and Elder J. A. Monsees of Atlanta, Georgia, published the hymnal. In 1964 a corporation was formed to assume ownership, publishing the tenth through twelfth editions. Recently the Old School Hymnal Foundation, a 501(c)(3), was formed, and we have now produced the centennial edition of the Old School Hymnal.

The centennial edition includes many new hymns, several recently written and composed. Our Lord continues to bless us with "hymns and spiritual songs" written in this day which are blended in this edition with beloved hymns of yesteryear. Having published 13 editions over the last century, we are grateful for the opportunity to welcome authors of the twenty-first century who have been blessed of God to put the Scriptures and sinners' experiences to verse and music.

For a historical perspective, we have continued our research to obtain the years of birth (and death when applicable) of the authors and composers. A date in parenthesis is the year the hymn was written or the music composed.

While the planning and preparation of this edition has required a great deal of time, we recognize that this work, as with each preceding edition, is yet imperfect. To understand more about the editing process and choices that were made for each him, reference this information. We strive to improve with each edition and with each printing. To this end, we appreciate the advice and assistance offered by many friends through the years. This help we continue to seek. With thanksgiving and joy in our hearts, we submit this (thirteenth) Centennial Edition of the Old School Hymnal to the churches and to God's people everywhere. May it enrich our singing, broaden our fellowship, and, above all, glorify God!