Hymnicide in India echos a U.S. crime

The word “hymnicide” lasted for less than a year (1862), and its demise is an example of American good manners. Hymn singing by the vocally challenged must be endured without wincing; their accompanists on piano, organ, violins and bongo drums as well.During every church program, hymns lie twitching on the floor crying out for paramedics; but all we notice are angelic faces of the children’s choir and the pianist’s stalwart efforts to stay on the same page if not in t…