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Who are the Sacred Harp singers using a more than 180-year-old hymnal today

Sacred Harp singers today use a more than 180-year-old Christian shape-note hymnal, primarily in a cappella gatherings across the rural South and beyond.
The tradition originates from a hymnal first published in 1844 by compilers from West Georgia, and it represents a social and spiritual practice that has been continuously shaped by various revisions and active community involvement.
Many singers describe Sacred Harp singing as a spiritual, communal experience distinct from formal church, with families passing down the tradition and newcomers gradually embracing its music and fellowship.
The 2025 edition, the first update in 34 years, is produced by a nine-member committee including curator Nathan Rees, who invited thousands of new songs and emphasized renewal rather than reprint.
This enduring practice fosters inclusivity among diverse beliefs and backgrounds, sustaining community bonds and offering personal meaning beyond denominational lines in contemporary Sacred Harp singing.

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