| The dissertation traces the development of congregational song among Chinese churches in the Philippines through a study of the collections and sources used between 1903 (when the first Chinese church was established) and 2003. Congregational song repertoire, collections, and sources are viewed in the light of socio-cultural, political, and spiritual factors that shaped the Chinese community and churches. Important characteristics of the four developmental stages in Philippine-Chinese hymnology---1903-1945, 1946-1965, 1966-1985, and 1986-2003---are identified.; The focus of the dissertation is the significant congregational song collections and sources used by the majority of the churches in worship services, fellowships, and other ministries. Particular attention is given to the different editions of locally-published collections that had national impact, i.e., Amoy Hymnal, Singspirational Hymns, Evangelical Hymnal, Songs of Grace, and Grace Hymnal. Descriptions and examples are given to provide a better understanding of the editorial concerns, characteristics, contents, and significance of each collection or source. |
