Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Tull will host the 140th gathering of Old Folks Singing. Photo by Brent Davis.
ARTICLE BY BRENT DAVIS
Music has the power to unexpectedly evoke memories by activating specific emotional experiences, making them feel vivid and real, as if they are happening again in the present. Every third Sunday in May, the souls of the founders of Old Folks’ Singing and the generations since 1885 fill the sanctuary and grounds of Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Tull, Arkansas to join in singing old hymns and enjoy fellowship. It is their Happy Land.
Read more below.
“Old Folks’ Singing is a special time for everyone,” says Karen Westbrook, secretary of the group who coordinate the event each year. “Spring is a time of renewal, so singing hymns is a great way to strengthen our souls.” The governing group includes: Wilson DuVall, president; Mark Gillis, vice president; Sue Shults, treasurer; and Victor Burton, chaplain.
On May 18, the morning session begins at 10 a.m. with Opening Remarks by Wilson Duvall, a Welcome by Terry Brumbelow, Invocation by Victor Burton and a Response to Welcome by Linda Ashcraft McDaniel.
Photo by Brent Davis.
The day starts with singing from the old Christian Harmony songbook, led by members of the congregation. Favorites include “In that Morning”, “Angel Band”, and “Passing Away”.
At 11:45 a.m., the morning session concludes. Lunch on the church grounds continues the tradition of mingling with family and friends while enjoying what essentially is a huge potluck lunch. A stroll through the nearby Ebenezer Cemetery to visit gravesites of family members is an honored tradition during this break in singing.
The afternoon session opens at 1 p.m. with announcements from Mark Gillis. A remembrance of loved ones who have passed in the previous year will be lead by Karen Greer and Jenna Jones. Singing switches to hymns from the Cokesbury Worship Hymnal. Favorites include “Peace be Still”, “Awakening Chorus”, “Love, Mercy and Grace”, and “It is Well”. A dismissal will occur at 2:30 p.m.
Photo by Brent Davis.
Mark Gillis says Old Folks’ Singing is something unique to the Tull Community. “We talk about it for twelve months a year. Who was there. Who wasn’t. It’s engrained in us and it doesn’t go away. We plan our week around Old Folks’ Singing.”
The singing and lunch are open to the public. During the years, travelers have come from several states to enjoy the closeness and unique experience that can only be found in a little church tucked away on a hill in the country.
Ebenezer United Methodist Church is located at 8319 State Hwy. 190 N., just across the Saline/Grant County line. (map)
Browse MySaline’s list of all the events in Saline County, at www.mysaline.com/events.
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