Singers visit Samson, Ala., for Sacred Harp convention

By Shannon Seyler

Special To Florida Freedom Newspapers

Several area residents made the trip to Samson, Ala. on Sunday to enjoy a day of Sacred Harp singing. It was an all-day event with a potluck luncheon. Sacred Harp is an old-fashioned form of sacred music that has a long, rich history in this area. Gatherings of singers are often referred to as “singings” or “sings”, and are finding new popularity not only across the U.S., but internationally. Sacred Harp can seem challenging to beginners, but newcomers are often able to learn the shape note system fairly quickly.

Sacred Harp is a form of early American music utilizing unique shape notes. The “harp” in Sacred Harp is a somewhat poetic reference to the human voice. Instruments do not accompany sacred Harp. There has been a resurgence of interest in this music after it was featured in the movie “Cold Mountain”. Sacred Harp went into something of a decline with the advent of more modern forms of gospel music, but hung on in various areas, particularly in the South. Today, one can find singings across America, including many in Florida and Alabama.

The Sacred Harp Book Company, which prints shape note books, is located in Samson, Ala. Samson is also home to the Central Sacred Harp Singing Convention, whose Spring session was held on Sunday. In attendance from Bonifay were Ben Smith and his daughter, Sarah Smith Shouppe of Cottondale.

Ben Smith, a former quartet singer, is proud to carry on the Sacred Harp tradition. He observed that Sacred Harp singing has enjoyed a long history regionally, including in Washington and Holmes Counties. There are singings in Bonifay, Wausau, DeFuniak Springs, Panama City, Tallahassee and other nearby locations. Smith added that long ago, people would often travel great distances to attend singings, either walking or traveling by oxcart. Fortunately, it’s much easier to get to today’s singings.

Bill Aplin of Samson, a longtime singer who is active with the Sacred Harp Publishing Company, states that the convention in Samson has been in existence for over 75 years. “In the early days, singings rotated between different churches,” he notes, “but the Central Convention has been held regularly at Traveler’s Rest Church for around thirty years.”

Sarah Smith Shouppe and other attendees are hoping to see more locals come out to experience Sacred Harp for themselves. A singing will be held in Blountstown on Feb. 18 at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement. Starting and ending times for all-day singings can be somewhat flexible, but usually range between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with a break being taken for lunch. Visitors are welcome, whether they choose to sing or just listen.