GroshLink

Last Thursday night's singing at Allegheny Mennonite Meetinghouse provided a unique opportunity for Amish participants.  This morning, they'll either be worshipping with other families at a farm or with their own family in their home (i.e., if it's an off week for their district).  Their several hour district gathering focuses upon preaching from the Word.* At the singing time, songs were offered/announced and then led by the leaders sitting at the table in the center of the meetinghouse (note:  rows were set-up on three sides of the table and a bench against the wall which served as the 'front.'  I'll look for a picture on meetinghouse layout). 

Typically only the first two of many verses were sung.  As there was no music for most of the songs (and no accompaniment, setting of the pitch by pipe, or 'going over the tune'), my best guess (if it wasn't a 'Gospel' tune) came during the second verse.  Some songs had a slower Amish version, similar to a Gregorian Chant.  These were requested after the first two verses.  Many times only the Amish sung these verses.  Line singing was tried several times, but didn't have much success.  More verses were sung of "popular" songs with a lead out after the given before the offering of the next song.  Sometimes particular later verses with special meaning were chosen.  Note:  Interested in samples of this style of singing? Click here.

At various times, respected members of the communities shared thougths regarding various songs.  Toward the end of the meeting, John Ruth was asked to share the Anabaptist story through the lens of his recent travels to Europe.  More coming. ...

*Note:  Interested in learning a little bit more? Visit http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/Religious_Services.asp.