The Hymn Society was founded in 1936 for the purpose of
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It is ecumenical, its members being drawn from a wide spectrum of Christian tradition and practice. The Society's members come from all over the world and include leaders of worship and church musicians, writers of words and tunes, people interested in editing hymn-books, scholars and researchers, as well as those simply wishing to use hymns with greater understanding. The Hymn Society is administered by an executive committee.
Members receive the quarterly Bulletin and Occasional Papers. These contain a wide variety of articles and reviews as well as news and correspondence - all of these providing a unique record of the progress of hymnody for more than half a century. Back numbers (all of which are kept in print) and classified Indexes to the first sixteen volumes, covering the period 1937-2002, are available for purchase.
An annual residential Conference is held in a three day period in July. This consists of lectures and discussions on hymnological topics and hymn-singing is a prominent feature. The Conference culminates in an Festival of Hymns, usually in a local church, chapel or cathedral, when all present enjoy singing hymns often linked to a specific theme or occasion.
The Society maintains links with The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, and with the European-based International Fellowship for Research in Hymnology (International Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Hymnologie). Friends from both these organisations attend our conferences; they in turn welcome our members' participation in their own gatherings. We also maintain links with the Royal School of Church Music.
Membership of The Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland is by subscription, at the following annual rates covering a calendar year (new rates as from January 2004):
Single membership: £12.50
Couples: £17.50 Full-time
Students: £7.50
Additional membership of the North American Society: £20
Additional membership of the I.A.H.: £9
(These additional subscriptions may be paid in sterling through the GBI Society's Treasurer)
Library subscriptions [ from January 2004: £14.00 or US$25.00 ]
Personal subscriptions may qualify as Gift Aid for UK income tax purposes, enabling the Society as a Registered Charity to claim a tax refund. Members who pay UK Income Tax are encouraged to help the Society in this way. Further details may be obtained from the Treasurer. At present, subscriptions can only be received by cheque on a UK bank, in pounds sterling (GBP). The Society is not able to handle credit or debit cards. Enquiries about membership and about the Society's activities are welcome. To download an application form, please click here
The Society is a Registered Charity, No.248225.
