At Eaton Corner Museum, An Old-time Hymn Sing

The old Congregational Church in Eaton Corner was repurposed mid-July as a... church, for the Museum's annual hymn sing. On a warm Sunday afternoon, close to 40 people joined in singing traditional hymns. They sat in old wooden pews, surrounded by historical exhibits from Eaton's past. Sunlight sifted through Denis Palmer's colourful window hangings.

They sang from a little songbook called Songs of the Gospel, and Sharon Moore accompanied them on the harmonium, or old fashioned upright pump organ. Two quaint wooden collection boxes with long handles were passed along the pews, accepting donations to the Eaton Corner Museum.

It was an ecumenical gathering. The songbook came from the Sawyerville United Church. The pews came from a Baptist church. The harmonium was donated by an Anglican priest. And the audience members represented all these backgrounds, probably more.

They sang 11 hymns in all, beginning with "Come Let Us Sing," and winding up with "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." The program included a few historical readings and ended with cookies, lemonade, conversation and a visit to the newly restored Foss House, the Museum's Welcome Centre.

"They sang well. It was a good afternoon," said Moore, president of the Eaton Corner Museum. At 374 Route 253, Eaton Corner, the museum is open weekends until the end of September. Info: 819-875-5256, www.eatoncorner.ca, or on Facebook.