Homespun...... from the Miller Homestead

Amish menfolk singing

After baking the previously mentioned shortbread, I decided to run out to my in-law's and take them some warm shortbread and a few other items.   Watching the sun set in the west tonight was a beautiful sight of oranges, pinks and a little purple.  Tonight our sunset was at 8:27pm. With each evening's earlier sunset I feel we're just one step closer to fall. 

As I sat and visited with mother-in-law on their front porch we heard the clip clop of buggies coming down the road and the distant sounds of children playing in the last sunlight of the day.  Then suddenly we heard singing nearby.  The menfolk in my inlaws'  'church' were having a singing tonight, outside at a neighbor's home.   The menfolk had gathered on this late summer evening for fellowship and to sing (practice) songs for Sunday's church.     The Amish sing hymns from their traditional hymnbook called the Ausbund.  While it does not contain a lot of songs, most of the songs are passed down through the generations without any written music.  The songs are sung in unison, not in harmony.   Many of the songs are very long, by modern church music standards.     A stronger male voice is often the 'vorsinger' and he starts the lines of the hymn and the congregation joins in shortly. 

The beauty of this singing never ceases to move me.  Being at an Amish church service (or wedding or funeral) and hearing the 50-100 voices lifted in unison is just so inspirational.   We sing at many family gatherings in the same fashion - in unison and one male being the leader to start each line.   I especially enjoy this at Christmas time when we sing after dinner as a family.

So tonight, we listened to the menfolk sing on this cool summer night as the sun slipped down past the horizon.  Tomorrow's a new day. The chickens are in the barn and it's time for bed.  ~Karen

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{ 09:56, Thursday, August 14, 2008 } { Posted by stitchnchick }

Sounds like a perfect way to end an evening. I didn't realize that you were from Holmes County. We've often visited and enjoy it so much. I really enjoy your journaling here. :-)

Amy

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{ 10:23, Thursday, August 14, 2008 } { Posted by haflinger }

Oh how I wish I was there ! I miss the clip clop and buggy and all the good old stuff..
Sister Brenda