Sacred Harp 62 'Parting Hand'

This Sacred Harp song is traditionally sung at the end of an all-day singing or convention. While singing it, those in attendance shake hands or embrace all around. This video was recorded at the 2009 Michiana Singing near Goshen, Indiana. Viewed from above, as in this video, the ritual has the appearance of a lovely and dignified dance. Not to distract from that appearance, printed words were not superimposed on the video, but here they are:

My Christian friends, in bonds of love, Whose hearts in sweetest union join,
Your friendship's like a drawing band, yet we must take the parting hand.
Your comp'ny's sweet, your union dear, Your words delightful to my ear;
Yet when I see that we must part, you draw like bands around my heart.
How sweet the hours have passed away since we have met to sing and pray.
How loath we are to leave the place where Jesus shows His smiling face.
O could I stay with friends so kind, how would it cheer my drooping mind!
But duty makes me understand that we must take the parting hand.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Sacred
• Harp
• shape
• note
• fasola
• singing
• Goshen
• Indiana

[KE5HOB]

Do I spot Mennonites in the group? I always thought they knew something the rest of us don't. They seem to lead peaceful, fulfilled, God-fearing lives and I feel we could learn a lesson from them.

[PLBrayfield]

Yes, there are some Mennonites among the singers. This event takes place in Goshen Indiana, in the heart of Amish/Mennonite country, and quite a few (though a minority) of those attending are local Amish or Mennonite folk. The event itself is organized by local singers, not any church group, and singers from many states, and sometimes a few from Canada, participate.

I'm sure we could learn many good lessons in life from the Mennonites!

[salsa838]

I am a Buddhist and I just started singing Sacred Harp about six months ago and I find this music truly awe inspiring. The people behind it are no less amazing. Singing is something that I now think all people need to experience first hand. This video just takes my breath away thank you. :-)

[PLBrayfield]

And thank YOU for this comment! I couldn't agree more that singing together is something people need to experience. Our society seems so fragmented, and so much into a habit of polarizing everything, that simply getting together in a large group to sing in harmony, share food has a great healing effect. For the time being, any possible conflicts are put aside and everyone agrees to sing whatever songs are called and socialize in a spirit of harmony.

[MunchkinGoddess86]

I really really really like this song! thank you so much for sharing these sacred songs! I really appreciate that there are others out there who love this kind of music as well! Faved!

[PLBrayfield]

You're welcome! It's great when my videos reach the people who enjoy them most. I hope you are part of a group who sing this kind of music - it's truly an inspiring activity.

[kelath5555]

I nearly cried while watching this. It gives me such hope.

[mpj334]

If I die soon (unlikely, but who knows) this and "China" will stick out as quite different from the other songs I have planned, all from The Hymnal 1982 (of The Episcopal Church)