[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 7243]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               125TH ANNIVERSARY OF ``OLD FOLKS SINGING''

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I commemorate the 125th 
anniversary of ``Old Folks Singing,'' a time-honored tradition in Tull, 
AR.
  Each year, Tull residents and other Arkansans gather at Ebenezer 
United Methodist Church on the third Sunday of May to sing gospel hymns 
from the church's original Christian Harmony and Cokesbury hymnals. 
Since 1885, this event has brought together Arkansans for praise, 
worship, and fellowship.
  Old Folks Singing is steeped in tradition. As event organizers 
proudly say, ``not much will change this year.'' The day begins with a 
prayer and welcome address before attendees join in song. After a 
potluck lunch and memorial service, the afternoon's music gets 
underway, ending with prayer and the final hymn, ``God Be with You 
'Till We Meet Again.''
  Mr. President, I also recognize the organizers of ``Old Folks 
Singing,'' including President Richard Tull, Vice President Wilson 
DuVall, Secretary Karen Westbrook, Treasurer Lena Ramsey, and Chaplain 
John Victor Burton. Numerous other volunteers help the day run smoothly 
by coordinating lunch, serving as ushers, creating the church bulletin, 
leading songs, and various other tasks.
  ``Old Folks Singing'' represents the best of our Arkansas 
communities. In good times and bad, Arkansans come together to share 
faith, family, and community. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this great Arkansas tradition.

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