Exploring centuries of worship: Liturgical studies students delve into rare manuscripts at the Beinecke Library

In early November, liturgical studies professors Melanie Ross and Nina Glibetić took Yale Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) students in the “Foundation of Christian Worship” class to the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library where they examined a variety of materials that show how Christian worship has been practiced across time and place.  

Highlights included the Olivetan Gradual, a 15th-century liturgical book containing the musical parts of the Mass in written notation; Luther’s Deutsch Messe, or “German Mass” d. 1526; the Bay Psalm Book, the first book printed in British North America, d. 1640; an Armenian manuscript from the 17th century with detailed exposition of the seven sacraments; and an Ethiopian antiphonary from the 19th century containing hymns and chants for the church year. The visit offered students the chance to see and touch the primary sources that had previously been discussed in the classroom.

Master of Divinity student, Nora Heimann ’26, described the class as “memorable, fascinating, and fun.” She added that the remarkable resources offered by Yale’s world-renowned libraries, archives, and museums is one of the reasons why she decided to come to the ISM, along with the “amazing faculty, terrific student body, and generous support.” 

Yale’s Beinecke Library is one of the world’s largest libraries devoted entirely to rare books and manuscripts. An exceptional resource for teaching and learning, it welcomes approximately 7,000 students in classes every year. Access to these unique collections is one of the many benefits that ISM students can take advantage of during their time at Yale. 

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