Harpa Cristã

Years Active

1922

Genres

gospel, christian music, hymnal

Biography

A Harpa Cristã is the official hymnal of the Assemblies of God in Brazil, with a history dating back to 1922, when its first edition was launched in Recife (PE). Conceived by Swedish missionaries Daniel Berg and Gunnar Vingren, who founded the Assembly of God in Brazil in 1911, the Harpa Cristã emerged to meet the need for a musical repertoire that reflected Pentecostal doctrines, such as baptism in the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, something that the hymnal "Salmos e Hinos", previously used, did not encompass. The first edition contained 100 hymns and had a print run of one thousand copies, distributed by missionary Samuel Nyström.

Over the years, the Harpa Cristã has undergone several updates and expansions. In 1923, the second edition already had 300 hymns, and in 1932, it reached 400. A version with music was published in 1929, and in 1937, a commission was appointed to revise and print the first Harpa Cristã with musical scores. Pastor Paulo Leivas Macalão played a fundamental role in the adaptation and organization of many hymns, being considered one of the main individuals responsible for the final format of the hymnal. Currently, the Harpa Cristã has 640 hymns, with the "Amplified" version launched in 1996, which kept the 524 traditional hymns and added new ones.

The Harpa Cristã transcended its role as a simple hymnal, becoming a symbol of Brazilian Pentecostal faith and one of the most widely used Protestant hymnals in the country. Its hymns have marked generations, offering comfort and accompanying significant moments in the lives of millions of Christians. In addition to its use in public services, the Harpa Cristã is employed in various liturgies, such as Holy Communion, baptisms, and weddings, establishing itself as a "sung bible" for many believers. Artists such as Gerson Rufino and Aurelina Dourado interpret hymns from the Harpa Cristã in their musical works.

Discography

• Vol. 2 (Instrumental) (2023)