Many people have been waiting all year long to be, once again, with their friends at the Old Country Church.

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, the doors of the Old Country Church on Highway 231 south of Brundidge will open and friends from near and far will gather to sing the old familiar hymns that were sung when Sundays were spent with [our] friends at the old country church.

For 12 years, John and Mary Senn have opened the doors of the Old Country Church on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and invited all of those who will to come and sing the familiar hymns that touch the human soul.

The original Hamilton Crossroads Church of Christ “church house” is the site of the annual singing which begins promptly at 2 p.m. with the singing of The Old Country Church and ends just as promptly at 3:15.

“An hour’s not long enough for the singing and an hour and a half is too long,” John Senn said. “So, we end the singing at an hour and 15 minutes. Everybody wants to keep singing but we end it and invite everybody back next year.”

The singing at the Old Country Church has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many and some people make the annual pilgrimage from as far away as Georgia.

“People come from all around and we welcome everyone,” Mary Senn said.

The singing is done a cappella and anyone who has attended will say that the harmony is absolutely beautiful.

“We think it’s some of the prettiest singing you’ll hear,” Mary Senn said and added, laughing, that she “can’t” sing. “But the acoustics are so good in the Old Country Church that everybody can enjoy singing.”

Most of the songs are familiar to anyone who loves the old hymns.

“We take requests for songs so there’s a good chance that most people will get to sing one or more of their favorite songs,” she said. “Those who would like to lead a song or two can. The song leaders rotate so everyone gets a chance. But everyone sings. It’s just a wonderful afternoon of singing and fellowship.”

Senn said anyone who grew up in the old country churches of the rural South or wishes they had will receive a blessing on Sunday afternoon at the Old Country Church.