George Strebeck Hymnal

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I am curious if anyone might have a copy of or know where I could find a copy of George Strebeck's hymnal from the early 1800's titled "A collection of Evangelical Hymns, made from Different Authors and Collections, for the English Lutheran Church in New York". He is a grandfather of mine (not sure how many greats ago) who, in addition to compiling hymns for this hymnal, also wrote some originals for it. I am a worship leader who has a passion for taking old hymn texts and writing new arrangements for them and would love to do that with some of his originals. I cannot find it on any online antique bookstores and am hoping that someone could help me locate it. Thanks for your help!


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From this webpage it appears that George Strebeck was assistant editor of the first American Lutheran hymnal, issued in 1795, and that his own hymnal came out two years later, so in "the late 1700s" rather than "the early 1800s". I have no idea where there might be a copy, but would suggest (if you have not already done so) trying to contact St. Matthew's Lutheran in NYC, where he apparently was serving at the time of his hymnal's publication. Even if they don't have a copy, they may know who does.

When you find it, please see if you can get it scanned and added to our database here. You won't be the last person to look for it.

The database contains a list of the first lines of the hymns in the hymnal, here, and confirms the publication date as 1797. Since it appears to be a DNAH item, perhaps the records at Oberlin or somewhere indicate the identity of the person who entered the first lines, and the provenance of the copy from which they were working. Ask Harry Plantinga, maybe.

Haruo

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There is a microfilm collection of early American Lutheran literature, and I think that George Strebeck's hymnal is in it. Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, has a copy of the microfilm collection. The reference librarian would know the exact name of it. Also, I have a copy of the Strebeck hymnal is there is anything specific that you want to know. (Sorry, I'm not interested in selling it. It took me too long to procure a copy!)

I am trying to find it because George Strebeck was my husband's grandfather's grandfather, and my husband is a singer-songwriter and a worship leader who enjoys writing current music to old (usually out of use) hymns for worship. They seem to have shared the same passions, and I know that he would treasure a copy. If you ever find a copy that you or anyone else would be willing to share, please contact me (clairestrebeck@gmail.com). Thank you so much!

Will do! If I ever run across is again, I'll contact you.