The tantalizing and mysterious idea of key affect has existed since ancient times, gradually developing into long-lasting tradition of key characteristics that continues to wield influence in a variety of settings, including both popular music and more traditional academic settings. Studies of affect focus largely on mode and tempo, and studies of specific key selection are uncommon and often focus on instrumental music. This two-part empirical corpus study examines key selection in a large corpus of American hymnals, examining general key preference as well as relationships between key and text topics. Preliminary results indicate significant differences in the use of flat vs. sharp key signatures as well as connection to text topics. This study has the potential to contribute to understanding of psychological influence of key characteristics within additional contexts of chronology, religious denomination, and text topics.