Lift Every Voice and Sing II Pew Edition: An African American Hymnal

My husband and I purchased many copies of this hymnal to give as a gift to our church. I direct a children's choir and have used many of the hymns in the hymnal for the children to sing. The congregation loved the songs so much that I thought it would be nice if they were able to sing along too. The hymns are beautiful, particularly the communion hymns such as "In Remembrance of Me" and "One Bread, One Body". I also have played many selections during services when I have filled in for the pianist, such as "Spirit Song" and "You are Near". It is a wonderful compilation of new songs and some old favorites too like "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Joshua Fit da Battle of Jericho". I love playing the hymns and I am very pleased with the purchase. The only negative I would like to impart is that I wish there was an Organists version. It is very hard to keep the book open to the page you are playing since it is a hard cover and unlike most hymnals, the book does not stay open very well. Some of the songs go onto the next page and turning the page and keeping the book on the music stand is a challenge. It would be very helpful if it came in a spiral backed copy.

The book is great. I want to incorporate African American hymns in my liturgy and this book is a wonderful resource.

This book brings back memories of songs I grew up with, plus new songs I have never sung before, and no, I am not an African American, but I did grow up in the South, and went to a Baptist Church, and sang many of these songs.

It is a wonderful hymnal. I would like to order more used copies.

These are beautiful arrangements of African American religious songs and melodies, not too difficult for someone with intermediate piano-playing ability. I got this as a Christmas present, and have used it happily ever since. My only suggestion for improvement would be a spiral-bound edition, to make it easier to keep the book open on the piano stand.