The Church Of Ireland
Press Release

The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Eames, will launch the new Church of Ireland Hymn Book on Saturday, 9 September 2000 at a service in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.

Archbishop Eames has paid tribute to the lengthy work of those involved in its production.

"This book represents all that is best in the Christian appreciation of church music. It draws together the favourite hymns so valued in past generations with modern words and tunes. I hope it will soon become a welcome addition to the worship of the Church of Ireland.

"Our people love to sing - this book contains a richness in words and music for generations to come."

The Church Hymnal Fifth Edition has been almost six years in the making and has 719 hymns in total.

Three Belfast choirs have taken part in a promotional CD - the Choir of St Anne's Cathedral, St Molua Parish Church and Strandtown Primary School.

Pam Rhodes of BBC's 'Songs of Praise' will take part in Saturday's service, interviewing people involved with the compilation of the new hymnal.

A spokesperson for the APCK bookshop said, "Sales of the new Hymnal have exceeded all expectations, the Melody/Pew Edition is now in the third impression. APCK is offering 20% discount to all parishes for bulk orders received by 30 September 2000."