State Library of Pennsylvania: Rare Book Collection

Approximately 250 eighteenth through twentieth century, primarily English and German-language, hymn books in multiple editions. Particularly rich in Pennsylvania-printed hymnals. Collection contains examples of church hymns, Sunday school hymns, school hymns, home devotional songs, soldier’s hymns, children’s hymns, shape-note hymnals, tune books, hymns of Isaac Watts.

A highlight of the collection are three Ephrata/German Seventh Day Baptist manuscripts, two from Ephrata and one from Snow Hill community.

The collection features hymnals associated with the following churches:

Church of God, Evangelical Association of North America, Moravian, Schwenkfelder, Evangelical Lutheran, German Reformed Church/Reformed Church in the United States, Mennonites, Amish, Protestant Episcopal Church, Methodist Episcopal Church, Harmony Society, United Brethren in Christ Church, Inspirationists, German Baptists, Catholic Church.