The Sacred Harp Singing Tradition of Calhoun County, Mississippi

Abstract

It was a warm, dry Sunday in October, nearing noon. I parked my vehicle by the remote Calhoun County road in front of Bailey Memorial Methodist Church, in the tiny hamlet of Loyd, Mississippi; then I saw a woman with a large box in her arms walking toward the brick church's wooden doors. She introduced herself as Sarah Bailey. I asked her if I might help carry in the other boxes sitting on the hood of her car. “Thanks,” she replied. As soon as Sarah opened the doors, voices resounded — the Sacred Harp singing I had come to hear.