Red Back Hymnal Singing Is Making A Comeback

  • Friday, June 8, 2018

Every third Sunday at 6 p.m., Bill and Linda Hullander said they have 150 to 200 people coming to enjoy the songs in the Red Back Hymnal like “I’ll Fly Away” and “Victory in Jesus.” After the singing, Ms. Hullander always has a special treat. Sometimes it is old fashion tomato sandwiches, homemade ice cream or just some Little Debbie cakes. 

This month, the singing will be June 17 at 6 p.m. at Hullander Farm, 10944 London Lane in Apison.  A special group there will be The Mylon Hayes Family from Hudson, NC.

"Many of us have fond memories of Sunday morning church service wearing our Sunday best, dropping the change in the offering plate and singing from the Red Back Hymnals. Some of these classic songs reside in our hearts and souls through our lifetime. What makes this book so different or special? It could be the precious hymns contained inside or the shaped notes that are combined in each song.  Year after year, the classic songs of the Red Back Hymnal are sung across our nation.  
The church hymnal was made available to the public in November of 1951. The initial printing consisted of 25,000 copies since its initial publication. Over 6 million copies have been sold. 

"Well known piano players, Jack Clark and Sue Gray, are always there to play, and one of the people who helps in leading the old-fashioned shape note songs is Crandall Woodson from Stone Mountain, Ga., who is the president of the National Gospel Singing Convention," organizers said. 

Mr. Hullander said each of the 410 selections is printed in the seven shape note format and each song has a message.  "We have people telling us how they miss these old hymns," he said.


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