Lutheran Hymnal (1973)

Preface

The Lutheran Hymnal (1973) is the successor to the Australian Lutheran Hymn Book, which was published by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Australia (ELCA) in 1922 (word edition) and 1925 (tune edition), and later used by the two Lutheran churches in Australia. In the 1940s the united Evangelical Lutheran Church in Australia (UELCA) decided to publish a new tune book and an appendix to the hymn book produced by the ELCA. Both Lutheran Churches subsequently resolved to co-operate in the production of a new hymnal and appointed a joint committee.

Hymn Book Committee

The first meeting was held in Adelaide, South Australia, August 23-24 1951. Representatives of the two churches were:

Rev Dr F.J.H. Blaess, Rev DR H.P. Hamann, Rev A.T. Miller, O.E. Thiele and Rev E.W. Wiebusch and M. Darsow, C.T. Leske and J.B. Thiele (ELCA).

Rev Dr M. Lohe, Rev G. Dohler, Rev L.B. Grope, Rev S.H. Held and Rev A.J. Lohe (UELCA).

Later pastors Rev H.F.W. Proeve, Rev H.P.V. Renner, Rev W.F. Roehrs (UELCA) and pastor Rev P.G. Strelan (ELCA) were added.

Dr. M. Lohe was elected chairman of the committee, Rev G. Dohler executive secretary, and Rev O.E. Thiele minute secretary. Principles were set up by the committee as a guide in its aim to provide the church with the best possible hymnal. To equip themselves for this task, members acquired the necessary liturgical, hymnological and musical material from worldwide sources.

In addition to meetings of the plenary committee, sub-committees dealt with the Propers, text of hymns, translations, Orders of Services, the Psalms, music for hymns and liturgy and editorial work. Competent authorities within and beyond the church were consulted.