Early American Hymn Tunes & Spirituals

Two community church choirs will combine voices to present SABC’s 22^nd annual Early American Hymn Tunes and Spirituals worship service Sunday evening, September 25. The 6:30 service will feature Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Chancel Choir under the direction of John Perry, and our own Sanctuary Choir led by Fred DeFoor.

“This is an event we are really looking forward to,” says John, who, in addition to his music ministry duties, also serves as Choral Director at White Knoll High School. Westminster Presbyterian Church, celebrating 50 years of ministry, has hosted our Dutch Square area Lenten services for many years. Friendships are many between the two congregations, and last year’s first experience with combining choirs was popular with everyone involved. 

“I love these genres of church music in particular because they are truly American and truly southern,” Fred shares. “The early American hymn tunes most of us know  so well by and large originated in 18^th and 19^th century southern oblong hymn books. Spirituals were born in the American south. So, this music not only speaks to our ears but our hearts!”

The two choirs will each present several songs, then combine to sing two spirituals and a hymn tune: “Keep Your Lamps”, “God’s Gonna Set This World on Fire”, and “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”.

Plan now to be a part of a wonderful tradition as the joint choirs present their Hymn Tunes and Spirituals Sunday evening, September 25.