Old hymns still prove a hit

The old ones are the best – just ask churchgoers who took part in a survey of their favourite hymns. The Lichfield Diocese asked congregations to take part in the vote.

And trendy worship songs were largely overlooked in favour of traditional hymns which date back up to 260 years.

The most popular hymn in the diocese, which covers Staffordshire and the West Midlands, was the 1872 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, which was not initially intended to be a hymn and was written as a poem.

The oldest hymn in the chart, Charles Wesley's 1747 Love Divine, is the eighth favourite across the diocese.

The newest, sixth place In Christ Alone, was written just six years ago.

More than 220 spiritual works were nominated and a total of 1,648 votes cast to produce the region's top ten list.

A number of celebrities were also asked to provide their favourite hymns. Singer Cliff Richard nominated When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.

Rev Chris Thorpe, of St Leonard's Church, Bilston, who was involved in the survey said it is important for the church to look both forwards and back when it comes to hymns. He added: "My personal favourite at the moment is I The Lord of Sea and Sky."

Top three hymns in Lichfield Diocese:

1. Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind

2. How Great Thou Art

3. Be Still For The Presence Of The Lord

Wolverhampton

1. I Vow To Thee My Country

2. How Great Thou Art

3. Thine Be The Glory

Sandwell

1. Shine Jesus Shine

2. Amazing Grace

3. Jerusalem

South Staffordshire

1. Be Thou My Vision

2. Thine Be The Glory

3. The Lord's My Shepherd

Walsall

1. In Christ Alone

2. Christ Triumphant

3. Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven

Stafford

1. Dear Lord And Father

2. Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven

3. How Great Thou Art

Cannock Chase

1. All Things Bright And Beautiful

2. Abide With Me

3. Dear Lord And Father

Lichfield

1. Abide With Me

2. Be Still For The Presence Of The Lord

3. Praise My Soul