Old Folks Singing in Tull invites everyone to join tradition May 21st

These days there are few community traditions that span centuries, but a small town nestled in the countryside of Grant County can lay claim to one that connects current generations to those that came before. It all started in 1885 at the Ebenezer Methodist Church in Tull. It’s called Old Folks Singing.

This year’s gathering follows the same format as the founders used on day one – singing hymns in the morning, potluck lunch on the grounds, followed by an afternoon session of more singing.

Singing in the morning will be from the Christian Harmony Hymnal. It will honor the founding members of Old Folks Singing and many of Tull’s founding families. The descendants of these families will be called on to lead a song.

The Christian Harmony Hymnal was first published in 1867 and featured in the first meeting of Old Folks Singing.

“Singing the same hymns that our ancestors did draws us closer to them and keeps their memory alive,” said Karen Westbrook, secretary of the Old Folks Singing Committee. “They also form a tie that binds for all the generations that follow us as they come to the church each year.”

Old Folks Singing, or OFS, is always set for the third Sunday in May, the weekend following Mother’s Day. This year, the date is May 21st.

Singing starts at 10:00 a.m., with opening remarks and welcome by OFS President Wilson DuVall. The response to the welcome will be given by Kelly Williams of Texas.

Lunch will be from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., which is a time change from previous years. The afternoon session will begin at 1 p.m. with a prelude by pianist Sandy Knoernschild, Singing in the afternoon will be from the Cokesbury hymnal.

The afternoon session will include a memorial service honoring those who have died since the last Old Folks Singing. The day will end at 2:30 p.m.

Ebenezer United Methodist Church is located at 8319 State Hwy 190 N. Everyone is invited to attend and help form new family traditions.