Shape Note Singing
in Union County, Georgia
One of the most unique and vital parts of Union County history is the county-wide involvement of the population in the old shaped-note singing. From the early 1900's to the 1950's, singing schools were held in churches and schools, and some schools would "let out" for the students to attend singing school. Singing conventions were held in churches as well as in the Old Courthouse, and many songs have been written and published by Union Countians.
Shaped note singing is still alive and well in Union County. The Union County Singing Convention was organized at least as early as the 1920's, and today, presents a prestigious singing school each July at Truett McConnell College in Cleveland. The UCSC also presents two singing conventions in Union County at Providence Church each year.
The Union County Historical Society is in the process of research into the complete story of shaped note singing and it's role in the lives of out people. A program of recognition awards for Pioneers of Gospel Music in Union County, Georgia was begun last year, and it's planned as an annual event staged with a singing convention at The Old Courthouse. The date is June 26. The historical society will host other singing schools in the future.
The Union County Historical Society would like to hear from anyone who sings shaped note music, knows shaped note music, has ever been to a singing school, has ever been to a singing convention, have/had relatives who sang or taught or was involved in shaped note music in any way, likes or has an interest in shaped note music. Call the office at 706-745-5493, or email the music committee at sensley@windstream.net.
Singing School Class,
Union County, Georgia, 1909
Singing Convention
Union County, Georgia, 2009
