A History of Psalm/Psalter-Singing in the PRC
This journal article traces the history of Psalm and Psalter singing within the Protestant Reformed Churches, focusing on the significant "hymn question" controversy of 1959-1962. The piece examines Rev. Herman Hoeksema's pivotal role in challenging the denomination's exclusive psalm-singing tradition by proposing the addition of synodically-approved hymns, and documents the heated ecclesiastical debate that ensued. The article provides valuable insight into an important theological and practical dispute that shaped PRC worship practices and church polity.
While it is true that the PRC has a reputation for being a psalm-singing, Psalter-using denomination, this is not to say that this 'exclusiveness' has not been challenged in our ninety-year history. It has been, and on a number of occasions. The most significant challenge (proposing the addition of non-psalm-based songs to our Psalter, that is, in addition to the select few already found in "the back of the Psalter") came from what might sound like an unlikely source, namely, the first editor...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org