Norwich’s Old Meeting House Embraces New Hymnal Tradition
The historic Old Meeting House Congregational Church in Norwich, the city’s oldest chapel, is breathing new life into its worship services with the introduction of a new hymnbook. The congregation, known for their love of communal singing, has begun using “Sing,” a collection created by renowned hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty. This thoughtful addition to their worship experience represents a meaningful bridge between the church’s rich historical traditions and contemporary expressions of faith, offering something that resonates with longtime members while also appealing to newcomers seeking spiritual connection in the modern world.
The Gettys have earned widespread acclaim in Christian worship circles, particularly for their composition “Cornerstone,” which has found its way into regular rotation in churches across denominations. Their approach to hymn writing maintains theological depth while creating accessible, singable melodies that invite participation. For the Old Meeting House congregation, this new hymnbook represents not merely a change in musical selection but a thoughtful evolution of their worship experience. The collection balances reverence for timeless Christian truths with contemporary musical expressions, creating a worship atmosphere that feels both grounded and fresh. Congregants have already noted how the new songs bring additional warmth and energy to their Sunday gatherings.
The introduction of this hymnal reflects a deliberate and caring approach to worship planning at the Old Meeting House. Rather than abandoning their musical heritage, the church leadership has sought to complement beloved traditional hymns with newer compositions that share similar theological richness. This thoughtful integration acknowledges that meaningful worship can span generations and musical styles when approached with intention. Many established churches face the challenge of honoring their traditions while remaining relevant to changing congregations, and the Old Meeting House appears to have found a balance that respects both their history and their future.
For older members of the congregation, the new hymnal offers familiar theological themes expressed through fresh musical language, while younger attendees and families encounter contemporary expressions of faith that feel more connected to their everyday experiences. This multigenerational approach to worship music creates natural bridges between different age groups within the church community. Young families particularly appreciate having worship music that feels both spiritually substantial and culturally relevant, helping children and youth develop meaningful connections to faith expression. The musical refresh represents the church’s broader commitment to being a spiritual home where multiple generations can worship together authentically.
The decision to adopt new worship materials demonstrates the Old Meeting House’s living tradition—one that has sustained the community through centuries of change while remaining open to thoughtful evolution. Church leaders recognize that for sacred spaces to remain vibrant centers of faith formation, they must balance preservation with adaptation. This philosophy extends beyond music to the congregation’s overall approach to ministry and community engagement. By maintaining their historical identity while embracing appropriate innovations, the Old Meeting House positions itself as a congregation that values both its roots and its branches—a place where history and contemporary life inform and enrich each other.
To celebrate this new chapter in their worship life, the Old Meeting House will host a special service on January 25th at 3:00 pm, formally launching the use of the new hymnbook. The entire community is warmly invited to attend this gathering, which will showcase selections from the Getty collection alongside beloved traditional hymns. This inaugural event represents more than just the introduction of new music—it symbolizes the congregation’s ongoing commitment to vibrant, meaningful worship and community fellowship. As Norwich’s oldest chapel enters this new phase of its ministry, it continues to embody its enduring mission: offering a spiritual home where timeless messages of faith and hope resonate with contemporary hearts and minds, welcoming all who seek connection, meaning, and community in an ever-changing world.
