Is there an “Organ Accompaniment for Hymns” CD, i.e. hymns that can be used in the worship service when an organist is not available?
The only one we are aware of is published by the Methodist publishing house for their hymnal. Most publishing houses, National Worship Offices and Church musicians groups tend to discourage piped in accompaniment for a number of reasons, and some very strong theological reasons tied to a congregation eminating its own praise and prayer. The use of such tapes also tends to discourage a congregation from nurturing and forming musicians in their midst. Many musicians would want to be compared to a professional tape, especially younger less experienced musicians. There are also large and expensive copyright issues involved which is another reason why the Presbyterians have not produced such a thing.
