Freed-Hardeman University alumni and friends are invited to participate in a period of “fellowship through song” Friday, July 22, in historic Chapel Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Taking its cue from a phrase coined by Dr. Bruce McLarty, FHU’s newly appointed minister in residence, the event is being called “Hymnal of the Heart Singing.”
McLarty believes everyone has a hymnal in his or her heart, songs that are particularly meaningful to them, perhaps because of a special memory, event, experience or person. He encourages folks to make a list of songs they would like to have in their hearts. McLarty will discuss, on video, his personal “hymnal” and how it came to be.
From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., songs will be chosen from those written by L.O. Sanderson and Tillet S. Teddlie. The next hour will be an old-fashioned gospel singing where participants can suggest hymns to be sung and leaders can sign up for the songs they would like to lead.
“The sound of acapella singing in Chapel Hall is unmatched,” FHU President David R. Shannon said. “We think it has always had the best acoustics anywhere, and the recent restoration has done nothing to change that. We invite anyone who loves to sing to join us.”
All Freed-Hardeman choral alumni are invited to participate in a recording session, Saturday, July 23. They will record 15-20 treasured hymns between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., directed by John R. Hall, retired conductor of FHU’s Acapella Singers. Meals will be available on campus and at local restaurants. Rooms have been reserved in Sewell Hall.
Approximately 200 singers have already registered, according to Hall, who, along with the alumni relations office, is coordinating the event. Singers are coming from states surrounding Tennessee as well as Florida, Ohio, Texas and California. They range in age from current FHU students to a member of the College Chorus in 1953-54.
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