The singing at the Old Country Church is simply and uniquely that – a singing at an old country church.

The singings have become a Thanksgiving tradition for the many who have attended almost every year since John and Mary Senn began opening the doors of the Old Country Church the Sunday before Thanksgiving 10 years ago.

“We only have the singings once a year and people say they really look forward to them,” John Senn said. “The idea behind the singings was that down around Hamilton Crossroads we all love to sing and what better place for a singing than the Old Country Church.

The Old Country Church was built in 1912 and was the “meeting house” for Hamilton Crossroad Church of Christ until 2001.

“The old church building had to be moved and the church offered it free to anybody that would move it at their expense,” Senn said. “Mary and I had property on Highway 231 that would be a good location for it and we wanted the church to be preserved so we said that we would move it.”

The Old Country Church arrived at its new location at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 16, 2001.

The church is much the same as it was when it was on the church grounds at Hamilton Crossroads and it brings back fond memories for those who attended there.

But the church has become special to those who only know it as the Old Country Church.

“The singings attract people from a lot of different places,” Senn said. “The singings have grown every year. Last year, there was hardly a place to sit but we’ll find a place for all of those who come.”

The non-denominational singing at the Old Country Church will be at 2 p.m. Sunday and everyone who enjoys the congregational singing of the old hymns is invited.

The singings last almost exactly an hour and 15 minutes.

“An hour and a half is too long and an hour is not long enough,” Senn said, laughing. “So, we sing for an hour and 15 minutes.”

Senn leads the first song each year, which is appropriately, “The Old Country Church.”

Song leaders from other churches are invited to lead their favorite songs and the congregation is invited to make requests.

“We write the requested songs on a chalkboard and sing as many of them as time permits,” Senn said. “Sometimes we get to most of them. Sometimes we don’t but we sing for an hour and 15 minutes and enjoy every minute of singing the great songs of the church.”

The singing at the Old Country Church begins promptly at 2 p.m. The church is located on U.S. Highway 231 four miles south of Brundidge.