u/ohshucks_

Hi, I am preparing this hymn for a service and couldn't help but notice the odd inclusion of ties for repeated notes in certain verses of the hymn tune. The rule is generally for repeated notes to be restruck - although when the hymn is a unison one I suppose it is not as important and the ties are for a stylistical reason in the accompaniment. The harmony verse 2 has everything written out like a typical hymn tune.

What especially surprised me was the ties in the melody so the organ part isn't doubling the 4 As at the start of the unison verses but playing a held note.

Does anyone have any ideas why some of this could be the case?

I attach a copy from the New English Hymnal (the exact image is available on Hymnary)