Zion United Methodist Church singing

Evelyn Reed Panter blessed Zion United Methodist Church in song August 13th for the morning service. Evelyn, who has been a choir director and has given private voice lessons, inspired the congregation by leading them as if they were her students or choir. She put her enthusiasm for spiritual music into her singing and directing and encouraged the congregation to enjoy it as well.

Evelyn sang several solos while accompanying herself on the 135-year-old piano. Her rich voice with enough volume to carry outdoors swelled in the little white church. She and Rev. Ken Fuller both exclaimed that every singer should sing at Zion and enjoy the acoustics. With the raised ceiling and the wooden floors, the sound of piano music and voices raised in praise filled the sanctuary.

Rev. Ken Fuller led the afternoon singing just like the old time singings with a shape-note hymnal (in large print) where you could suggest a song you wished to sing and lead it if you so desired. People who enjoy singing came from several churches to join the congregation at Zion UMC including Old Union Baptist Church, Old Brasstown Baptist Church, McConnell Memorial Baptist Church, Macedonia Baptist

Church, Union Hill United Methodist Church, and Hiawassee United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Claudette Griffin showed what the piano (dated 1871) could do with her marvelous playing skills. The sanctuary reverberated with beautiful sounds as she played each hymn. Others got to show their musical ability on the grand piano during the afternoon including Dorothy Sampson who accompanied her husband Ulysses.

The Cheerful Sounds led by Ralph were a pleasant addition with their smiling faces leading the congregation in some of the songs. This group sings for nursing homes, churches, funerals, and other functions. They average singing about a hundred times a year, bringing joyful music to others. The Cheerful Sounds had their own pianist accompany them, so there were three great piano players for the afternoon singing. (Our apologies for not getting that pianist's name.)

The Love Offering that was received that day will go toward purchasing a new organ for the church. Zion plans to repeat this celebration of song since it was so well received. Future dates will be announced or you can contact the church at 706-3792173.