hymnody Archives

hymnody

A joyous and musical celebration of life for a PC(USA) gem, Dr. Melva Wilson Costen

Posted September 16th, 2023

Over her long career in higher education and in hymnody, Dr. Melva Wilson Costen taught her students that music is a gift from God that can lift our spirits and serve as a refuge during difficult times. “It speaks,” said the Rev. Addie Peterson, eulogizing Costen on Saturday at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, “when we don’t know the words to say.”

‘Art has a way of flourishing in the midst of crisis’

Posted December 3rd, 2021

Three Presbyterian hymn-writers shared their sources of inspiration and some of their favorite hymns during a recent webinar called “When in Our Music God is Glorified,” put on by the Presbyterian Writers Guild. About three dozen people attended. Dr. Anita Coleman, a writer and former professor who’s vice president of the guild, moderated the webinar.