On January 13, 2025, the Baltimore Shape Note Singers gathered at Four Hour Day Lutherie for a special evening that blended tradition with inclusivity. The event featured a rendition of “Love Astounding,” a poem by Jeannette M. Lindholm set to the tune “Holy Manna” from The Sacred Harp. This performance was part of the Songs for the Holy Other project, which aims to affirm the LGBTQIA2S+ community through hymnody .
Today the video was released at 10am on May 1st, 2025:
The evening commenced with the group’s regular Second Monday singing, drawing approximately 22 participants, including newcomers to shape-note singing. The first hour included selections from The Sacred Harp and The Shenandoah Harmony. Before a brief intermission, Brian Hehn of the Hymn Society’s project The Center for Congregational Song, provided background on the Songs for the Holy Other initiative, explaining its origins and objectives.
Following the break, the focus shifted to “Love Astounding.” Kevin introduced the song, and Lindsey guided the group through the notes to ensure everyone was comfortable. The piece was sung three times, allowing singers to immerse themselves in its message. The recording of this session is part of a broader initiative by the Hymn Society to release a series of videos for the project, this being the first.
Special thanks were extended to Topher Lawton for scoring the tune and to participants Nora, Sarah, Elizabeth, Kelly, Beth, River, Niamh, Samuel, Robin, Brian, Topher, Luke, El, Taylor, Cori, Katie, and Becca for their contributions. Events like this highlight the role of shape-note singing in fostering community and expanding the repertoire to include works that resonate with contemporary audiences.
For those interested in exploring shape-note singing, the Baltimore Shape Note Singers welcome all, regardless of experience. Regular gatherings occur on the second Monday and fourth Tuesday of each month at Four Hour Day Lutherie. Loaner tunebooks are available, and the group sings from The Sacred Harp, The Shenandoah Harmony, The Valley Pocket Harmonist, and occasionally other sources .
This event underscores the enduring relevance of shape-note singing as a living tradition that embraces diversity and inclusivity.
More information:
https://www.baltimoreshapenote.org/
http://www.marylandshapenote.org/
https://thehymnsociety.org/resources/songs-for-the-holy-other/
https://gofund.me/44bd4ed9
https://fourhourday.org/
http://singloud.org
https://originalsacredharp.com/
https://www.shenandoahharmony.com/