<P> Gold reviewed the issue in 1958, and collected a number of quotations similar to the complaints of Patrick and Syndor . However, he also provided this quotation: "Gospel hymnody has the distinction of being America's most typical contribution to Christian song . As such, it is valid in its inspiration and in its employment ." </P> <P> Today, with historical distance, there is a greater acceptance of such gospel songs into official denominational hymnals . For example, the United Methodist Church made this acceptance explicit in The Faith We Sing, a 2000 supplement to the official denominational hymnal . In the preface, the editors say, "Experience has shown that some older treasures were missed when the current hymnals were compiled ." </P>

Female singing quartets were quite common in gospel music