Should I add to that hymn?

Not sure if you will be able to see what is at this link:
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So....

Stephen Altrogge:
Songwriters, I made this helpful flow chart to help you determine whether you should add a new chorus or bridge to that classic hymn.

 

I would agree with this in most cases.

 

Ok, I'll bite...

I do understand the sentiment, but I also recognise that people have been adding choruses to hymns at least since the 19th century, particularly as a result of revival and camp meetings in which repeated refrains made participation easier. They probably caused as much consternation for some back then as modern hymn modifications do today.

Two examples that immediately spring to mind are the choruses which were added to Alas! And did my Saviour Bleed and O Happy Day that Fixed my Choice.

 

I took this as the author making a general but not necessarily universal point through the use of humour.

 

I can see where it might be an issue when a congregation is trying to provide meaningful worship for both old and young.

Old person (yeah, me): “OK, you can sing some of your new songs, but do you have to mangle my old favorites.” :Wink

 

We've had situations in our Church where we are apparently singing a new version of an old hymn, and some of us don't know that, so we'll break into the old chorus while the band plays some of that modern version.

That's some real cacophony!

 

Many hymns have more, often far more, verses than the 3 or 4 shown in most hymnals. Occasionally our pastor will include one of those "unpublished" verses that he sees as edifying and God-honoring. Since our church is still putting services online (we began that during last year's shutdown), song words are shown on a screen so folks both at home and at the church building can sing them.