CHL Book History Workshop

**Deadline extended–new deadline for applying to the workshop is September 19.**

See the below Call for Participants:

Singing (and Printing) Songs of Zion

When Emma Smith heard the words “the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me” as well as the commandment that she “make a selection of sacred hymns” did she fully imagine what a compiled hymnal would have entailed? Nearly six years later, when A Collection of Sacred Hymns was published by the Church of Latter Day Saints, Smith must have felt relieved to see her responsibility fulfilled. Her and others’ efforts resulted in a finished product—a book that can be studied and take us back to what it might feel like to worship with early believers. Such a tactile connection to the past is found in each hymnal produced by the Church, church members, and auxiliary organizations. Through a study of the printed songs, hymnals, and sheet music, book historians will uncover aspect of Church history previously unrecognized.

The musical tradition of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is rich, complicated, and a crucial element of the lived religion of its members. From the first church-owned press, hymns and poetry were printed and shared with early believers. One of the earliest commandments dictated to Emma Smith prioritized the activity of singing within the early church. As resources grew and printing technology improved, church members printed hymnals (eventually with musical notes), song books for children, and audio and video recordings of music. The history of printing music in the Latter-day Saint tradition offers an understanding of its doctrinal, cultural, and artistic history.

The Church History Library in Salt Lake City will hold an all-day workshop on the hymnals and songs of Latter-day Saints—focusing on their publication, circulation, and use. This workshop will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025. Participants will explore the history, technology, and use of printed music through hands-on analysis of materials spanning the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Participants will also explore new ways of approaching and analyzing these sources.

Participation is limited to about fifteen individuals to ensure a quality workshop experience. Those interested in print history, including early and mid-tier scholars, students (both upper-division undergraduate and graduate), collectors, and other individuals wishing to expand their knowledge of the past are invited to apply. All applicants must submit a CV and a single-page letter of intent. Letters should include how this workshop might help their scholarship or further a project (academic or not) they are working on or planning to pursue. Though the workshop cannot cater to everyone’s project, some sessions might be shaped based upon letters of intent. Submissions are due September 19, 2025, emailed to either of the co-organizers (email addresses below).

Any questions can be directed to the co-organizers.

Robin Scott Jensen (jensenrob@churchofjesuschrist.org)
LeChele Gishi (lgishi@ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

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The Church History Library is the repository of millions of printed items relating to the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Book History Program of the library seeks to raise awareness of the history of print culture of the Church and educate patrons of the Church History Library about the rich resources available. Do you have a topic you hope to see addressed? Let us know!