In conjunction with the rollout of a new (Southern) Baptist Hymnal, the South Carolina Baptist Singing Churchmen will present “Hymns Alive: Our Heritage, Our Future,” Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Columbia.
The concert is free and will take place on the eve of the Nov. 10-11 annual meeting of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
“Across hundreds of years, hymns have been the main vehicle for proclamation and worship in the Christian church,” said Mark Powers, director of the SCBC worship and music office and conductor of the Singing Churchmen. “Hymns proclaim the basic teachings of the Christian faith. Because of the remarkable musical variety of hymns, they have the ability to speak to our lives across many generations.”
The evening will feature a concert by the Singing Churchmen and special guests SeraphSong, a South Carolina Baptist women’s choir for church musicians, directed Adair Rogers of Laurens.
Powers said area church choirs are invited to join the ensembles in the singing of two hymn anthems. Interested choir directors should contact Janet Altman at 803-765-0030 or janetaltman@scbaptist.org for music and a listening CD.
The program will also include congregational singing of hymns, including old and new songs, Powers said. “The South Carolina Baptist Singing Churchmen have chosen to present this concert to celebrate the power of hymns as a vehicle for worship,” he said.
Reserved seating is available for special-needs groups and assisted-living residents. For arrangements, call 803-765-0030. Wheelchair seating is available but limited.
First Baptist Church is located at 1306 Hampton St., Columbia.