Kingsway has always been proud to stand alongside artists of excellence and their songs of substance. In the release of ‘The Hymn Makers – Songs From The Redemption Hymnal’ – and in spite of the fact that the songwriters have all long since died - we think we might have found the ultimate combination.

Full of thirteen of the most incredible hymns, this single CD captures a spirit and power that echoes down across the generations. Just try these lyrics on for size:

Saviour, breathe forgiveness o’er us;
All our weakness Thou dost know;
Thou didst tread this earth before us,
Thou didst feel its keenest woe;
Lone and dreary, faint and weary,
Through the desert Thou didst go.
[‘Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us’ James Edmeston, 1791-186]

Or these:
Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.
[‘Breathe On Me, Breath Of God’ Edwin Hatch, 1835-1889]

Or these:
‘Man of Sorrows”’ what a name
For the Son of God, who came,
Ruined sinners to reclaim!
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
[‘Man Of Sorrows, What A Name!’ Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876]

This album is a treasured collection of some of the most cherished songs of the past. Birthed in the period in the church’s life where social inequalities were challenged, where great outpourings of the Holy Spirit were experienced, and where growth was significant, this collection of hymns speaks of power, intimacy and urgency in ways that are vital for us to hear today.

First published in 1951, the Redemption Hymnal drew together songs that were the result of a two-decade period of growth and change within the church worldwide. Pentecostalism had been born, and a thirst for the Holy Spirit was widespread.
Containing over 800 hymns, it was eventually followed by Songs of Fellowship in 1981.

This album draws out just a handful of the gems that the original hymnbook collected. With each track specially recorded for the event by The Scottish Festival Singers (conducted by Ian McCrorie) the power is every bit as strong as ever.

Listen, and be inspired.