Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Tull will host the 139th gathering of Old Folks Singing. (Photo by Brent Davis)
What’s in a name? For Old Folks Singing, “tradition” tops the list.
There are few traditions remaining that combine the love of music, the strength of religious faith and the ties that bind generations. In 1885, the congregation of the Ebenezer Methodist Church in Tull, Arkansas met for the opening of a new church building. It was a celebration of community through the singing of the hymns of those that came before them, the hymns through which their ancestors drew strength to tackle the hardships of the time. To renew their faith.
A monument in Ebenezer Cemetery commemorates Old Folks Singing and the founders. (Photo by Brent Davis)
Could they have imagined that in the year 2024 this first meeting would be continued annually on the third Sunday in May for the 139th consecutive time? It could easily be said that perhaps they did not. I could also be easily said that they would be humbled.
The meeting is called Old Folks Singing. The name may bring forth images of old men and women with canes and walkers sitting in the pews of the now Ebenezer United Methodist Church singing hymns. While this image may be somewhat accurate, the name has a larger meaning.
The “old folks” refers to every generation from 1885 to 2024 that has come to the grounds of the church for singing in the morning, lunch on the grounds followed by another round of singing hymns in the afternoon. By singing the songs and hymns of faith from the past, “old folks” are pulled back into the “now”. By remembering them in song, their faith is brought forward to strengthen the present.
“You can feel the presence of all that came before us when we sing.”, says Karen Westbrook, secretary of the Old Folks Singing Committee.
Ebenezer is a small, country church perched on a hill with a cross on top for a steeple. The wood floors of the sanctuary creak as people enter to find their place on old wooden pews.
There is no pretense. No organ. No drums or guitars.
Just a piano, a pulpit and a small platform for a choir with rows of windows on each side to let the light, and sometimes a breeze, fill the space.
On May 19, this wonderful tradition continues. This year, the committee is honoring the founders of Old Folks Singing by having representatives of those families lead some of the favorite songs of the past.
The morning singing session will begin at 10:00 a.m. with opening remarks and a welcome by Wilson DuVall, committee president, followed by the invocation by Victor Burton, chaplain and a response to the welcome by Karla DuVall Smart. Singing then begins. In 2015, the Old Folks Singing Committee purchased 200 copies of a reprint of the original Christian Harmony hymnal for use in the morning sessions.
At 11:45 a.m., the session will break for lunch on the grounds. Attendees are encouraged to bring potluck type food for their family, and perhaps a little more as sharing with others is most welcomed.
At 1:00 p.m., the afternoon singing begins with announcements. Committee members Karen Greer and Jenna Jones will lead a memorial service where the names of loved ones who have passed in the previous twelve months are read followed by a devotional. The remainder of the afternoon will be singing from the Cokesbury Hymnal. Those in attendance can volunteer to lead the hymn of their choice.
Dismissal will be at 2:30 p.m. with a benediction by Victor Burton.
Additional members of the Old Folks Singing Committee include Sue Shults, treasurer, Virgie DuVall, Lisa Tull, Cathy Harrison, Russell Burton, Paula Fitzhugh, Nathan Welch, Quinn and Holly McCormick.
Everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Ebenezer United Methodist Church is located at 8319 State Hwy 190 just inside Grant County, a stones throw from the Saline County Line.
No admission fee and parking on the grounds is free.
For additional information, contact Karen Westbrook at 501-860-4835.