We received a note from Syd Caldwell that brings up a good point. Both Bill Caldwell and Andrew Albers were willing to come sing but understandably wanted to sing more than just a 30 minute segment before the dedication. Syd has arranged for the General Store to be open. (We'll need a box of Sacred Harp books and a box of Missouri books anyway.) Thus the revised Shiloh Singers schedule for Saturday, June 30th, looks like:
2:00 P.M. - Shiloh Singers form a square and sing inside the Shiloh Meeting Hall before the dedication
2:30 P.M. - Ringing of the Meeting Hall Bell, Dedication and remarks by distinguished guests and visitors.
3:00 P.M. - Reception and Open House continues with additional entertainment. Shiloh Singers will adjourn to the General Store to continue singing.
After the singing in the General Store, Syd and several others suggested the singers go to supper together at the Market Place in Springdale before returning home.
After moving the historic building to W. Huntsville Ave. in 2005, then developing a plan for working on preservation and renovations since 2007 at a cost of over $1.1 million, it's quite an honor to be the first group invited to use the renovated building and to open such a festive ceremony with songs that might have been sung in 1871 when the building first opened.
Late addition: Syd heard from Mary Ellen Wilkinson that she wants to come. If that's the case we would have singers from Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Looking forward to singing with as many as can come on Saturday. I think the reopening and dedication will be a meaningful experience that all who participate will remember.
"While it is possible to
change without improving, it is impossible to improve
without changing." - Joseph M. Carroll
