The Singing at the Old Country Church has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many people in and around Pike County.

For 15 years now, John and Mary Senn have hosted the singing at the Old County Church on Highway 231 a few miles south of Brundidge. The church is the original church building for the Hamilton Crossroads Church of Christ but it’s now a place for worshipping in song for all who will come.

The singing begins promptly at 2 p.m.

“The singing last almost exactly one hour and 15 minutes,” John Senn said. “An hour and a half is too long and an hour is not long enough.”

The singing is a cappella and most of the songs are familiar standards.

“Mary and I wanted to offer a platform where people could come and sing those old familiar hymns,” Senn said. “And, we thought the Sunday before Thanksgiving would be the perfect time. It’s the beginning of the holiday season and what better time to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise to our Lord.”

The singing is a cappella and everybody is encouraged to sing.

The harmony is like you’ll hear few other places. It’s beautiful to sing and to hear.

“Some of the songs might not be familiar but after a verse or two you call sing along,” Senn said. “Some people say they don’t sing but they come to listen. Whether you sing or just listen you are welcomed.”

The Singing at the Old Country Church happens only one time a year.

“People have asked us to hold another singing and we’ve thought about it,” Senn said. “But, being once a year and an hour and 15 minutes long, most people leave wishing it had lasted longer. That’s the way we need to leave it. We believe that everyone leaves having been richly blessed.”