Annotations Related to Music

Hodgson highlights Hay’s significant contributions to the Christian Science movement during the early 20th century, recognizing their basis on the spiritual animus that motivated her. An authorized practitioner and teacher, Hay founded churches in London and Cape Town (S.A.) and was a poet and musician. Long-time Christian Scientists know her best as the author of many of their most beloved hymns.

Hodgson’s half-biography, half-musical documentation of the life and work of Lyman Brackett highlights his important role in the development of hymnody for the Christian Science Church. Brackett ultimately became the overall designer, music editor, and original composer of 99 hymns in the first Christian Science hymnal.

Robertson writes a comprehensive historical survey of music in the Christian Science faith. She explains the invaluable role music played as a spiritual foundation for Mary Baker Eddy’s founding of her Church. Robertson positions Eddy’s Church in the context of New England theological thought and praxis, demonstrating how it incorporated already existing music before creating its own new tradition.

Williams presents a history of the evolution of the Christian Science hymnal from its 1892 first edition through to its 1932 sixth edition which contained 143 new hymns. He highlights key contributors to each edition and examines the changes made in tune and lyrics, often to bring them in conformity with Christian Science concepts.

This little-known history of the growth and reception of Christian Science in a pivotal year, 1885, is told through a fictional literary framework. The value of this account is that most history recorded of that period is derived from Mary Baker Eddy or her closest supporters, but this is a rare account of public perceptions of controversies and efforts to find the truth.