OUR MISSION

Hymns, Etc. LLP is a partnership formed to make the music and other resources created by John D. Horman and Mary Nelson Keithahn accessible and available for use in local churches, and to connect the composer and lyricist to as many others in the field of church music as possible.

The nature of music sung and played in our churches today is rapidly changing.  There is a clear drift from the traditional sacred musical styles used over the last twenty-five years to more simplistic and emotional styles, often lacking in theological depth.  Publishers have contributed to this trend, convinced that such "disposable" music is what is marketable and therefore, profitable.  Many are now publishing, distributing, and widely publicizing music aimed primarily at churches that use quickly learned (and quickly forgotten) compositions.  This has precluded the publication of longer, more complex and substantive works. Hymns, Etc. LLP was born out of a conviction that, though it may be too small to interest major publishers, there is still a market for worthy compositions.

In the last decade, Mary Nelson Keithahn and John D. Horman have attempted to write texts and music that not only have strong appeal in our present culture but also possess a sense of integrity and relevance that is much needed in our churches today.  Both lyricist and composer are actively involved in local and wider ministries and maintain continuous contact with a great variety of church musicians, educators, and pastors.  Their work reflects their understanding of needs they have observed and experienced in today's church.

Mary and John believe that music of a lasting nature should permeate church music programs.  They value the ability of listeners and singers alike to discern and internalize elements of the Christian faith through well-crafted hymns and anthems.  They strive to write eloquently-stated texts and well-conceived tunes that will communicate the messages of biblical scripture and theology to today's believers a way that makes sense in a rapidly changing world.  They invite you to explore what they have to offer through Hymns, Etc. LLP.

Helpful links to sites used on Hymns, Etc.