Music always has been a part of Free Will Baptist worship, but the present denominational hymn book is far different from the first one published in 1823. That hymnal was compiled by John Buzzell, a publisher among the Northern Free Will Baptists, and contained some original hymns written largely by the editor or by Benjamin Randall, the founder of the New England segment of the denomination. Others were written by internationally known hymnodists such as Watts, Doddridge, and Toplady. At that time, musical instruments were not used in the church. In fact, they were not allowed in the church. Hymns were “lined out”—that is, the worship leader chose a tune for the hymn and then announced or sang each line for the congregation. The worshippers then repeated what they had heard. Hymn books offered only lyrics for each hymn. Other denominations must have been using instrumental music because David Marks, a popular Free Will Baptist musician, refused to use such “innovations” in his music. In 1828, Marks published The Conference Meeting Hymnbook for the Use of All Who Love Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (pictured below).  It contained the lyrics for 93 hymns. In 1832, he added Hymns for … Continue reading Music Then and Now