The 1945 book, whose use was considered optional and completely voluntary, was ordered revised by the 1956 General Conference.
Professor Fred D. Gealy was the editorial consultant to an 18-member Commission on Worship that produced the 423 page book.
The book is divided into five parts, the first titled The General Services, and consists of both a brief and full orders of worship, and the rituals of baptism, confirmation, the Lord's Supper (including a brief form), marriage, burial and the ordination services.
The first part is The Christian Year and consists of a one-year lectionary, collects, invocations and calls to worship for the various liturgical seasons along with prayers and special services for specific days of the calendar.
The second part is General Aids and consists of various prayers, liturgies and table graces.