Historic Boston Church Considers Sale of Hymnal

The first book printed in what would become the United States was a Puritan hymnal of psalms, sturdy enough that 11 copies that came off a wooden Cambridge press in 1640 still exist. Now, a copy of the “Bay Psalm Book” may bring millions of dollars to the Boston church that owns it.

David Redden, vice chairman of Sotheby’s, which evaluated the book and silver collection for the church, said the book could bring a staggering $20 million to $25 million.

Books and printing are marks of civilization, “so the ability to create a book in the New World was,