We
stood on the porch of the singing church that was filled beyond limit. The rest of the attendees flowed to the porch where we waited in our Sunday dresses: my cousin, my friend and me. We waited for our names to be called because we were there to sing. Church singings were the place to be on a Sunday afternoon with your family—back then.
The name we gave to our singing group escapes me, but we had one. When our name was called, we clawed our way through the standing people on the porch, the large group inside the foyer and scooted sideways down the aisle between folding chairs shoved at each end of the wooden pews. When we finally stepped up on the platform, at the front of the room, one tween and two teens faced a sea of staring faces.
What seemed like hours was only seconds as we waited for the pianist to start the song we would sing: At the Cross. To help my nerves, my eyes searched the room for my Grandma Sadie who had a seat inside. Some people smiled at us, some glared and others carried blank expressions. Finally, my eyes touched her sweet face and smiling eyes.
Afraid
we would miss our musical cue, I jumped in singing a little too soon, a little out of key and my voice cracking under nervous pressure. When a new confidence
exploded in our egos, our voices sang out, blending into one beautiful sound.
After
the song ended, we enjoyed the crash of applause but hurried back down the aisle to escape. On the way out, people patted our shoulders and said things like “You need to sing
again sometime.” And, “Girls, you've got talent.”
As
I remember it, we never sang together again. Probably for the better. We might
have become famous, and well—you know.
7 comments:
Hi Teresa .. lovely story - and my voice would have fallen apart ... but what a wonderful way to share your music in the community and all together. I expect you sing now and love the togetherness of it ... I can see the crowd you had to part to all get to the front ... and yes famous ... if you had - we'd have not had you here ... enticing us with your Ruralhood tales ...
Cheers Hilary
Got it well done and then away you run. A one day wonder group haha
Aw what a sweet story! I grew up in a church devoid of music; the priest was extremely conservative and got rid of the choir, youth music priest and organist. It was all brought back after he passed away.
When I was growing up I don't recall any emphasis on music in church other than just regular hymn singing. I think eventually I went to a church that had a choir and I might have sung briefly with them, but that was long ago and my memory has faded on that one.
Music is an important part of our church now. We don't have a choir now. If we did there wouldn't be many people in the audience to listen.
If you all had kept up the singing then I might be watching you on one of those singing Christian TV shows now.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Wrote By Rote
What a wonderful story!
We use to sing "specials" in church. It was unnerving but satisfying too. A loving face in the crowd always helps.
We also were encouraged to share creative writings when our preacher could not be there at night.
My church musicianship goes way back. It's a great way for kids to get their first experience using their voices and instruments. I wish I had a church that was more open to what I experienced.
Lovely post, Teresa! It brought back many memories. I sang off and on in different choirs growing up. "At the Cross" was a favorite in my grandmother MacDonald's church. You have a way of making things feel immediate in your writing. I'll catch up with you as I can; not sure of my next internet connection. Enjoy this lovely summer.
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