Redemption Songs Hymnal Value Guide

The Redemption Songs Hymnal is a quintessential artifact of the American gospel movement, published by John J. Hood in Philadelphia between 1895 and 1910. These compilations were vital to turn-of-the-century revival meetings, featuring the influential work of editors like John R. Sweney and William J. Kirkpatrick.

What affects the value of Redemption Songs Hymnal?

• The physical condition of the fragile paper pages and the integrity of the cloth binding.
• Presence of all original pages, as these books were frequently used in congregational settings.
• Historical provenance or signatures from notable 19th-century evangelical figures.
• The specific edition year, with earlier 1890s printings often holding more interest for musicologists.

How to Identify Redemption Songs Hymnal?

• Look for the John J. Hood publishing mark located in Philadelphia on the title page.
• Verify the presence of editors John R. Sweney and William J. Kirkpatrick within the front matter.
• Check for the original cloth-covered cardboard binding typical of late 19th-century liturgical books.
• Confirm the inclusion of approximately one thousand or more hymns and choruses.

History of Redemption Songs Hymnal

This songbook is representative of the widespread popularity of gospel music in America at the turn of the 20th century. Compilations like 'Redemption Songs' gathered a thousand or more hymns and choruses favored for revival meetings, Sunday schools, and general congregational singing. Editors like John R. Sweney and William J. Kirkpatrick were prolific figures who shaped the sound of American evangelical music, ensuring these books were widely adopted across various Protestant denominations.