Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta
Sacred Harp Singing
Sacred Harp or Shape Note Singing
Sacred Harp singing is an American tradition of sacred choral music that originated in New England around 1770 and was later carried on in the American South of the United States especially under the influence of the revival services of the 1840s. Its earliest roots are in country parishes of England. The name is derived from The "Sacred Harp," 1844, a historically important tunebook printed in shape notes.
Sacred Harp music is performed a cappella and the singing is participatory rather than a performance to listen to with singers seated by voice in a hollow square. Singings today are sometimes all day affairs with shared meals. Shape note singings have crossed back over the Atlantic and today there are singings in Germany, Norway, Ireland, Paris, and Israel. A new generation has embraced the tradition.
In the Atlanta area there are three regular singings with others scattered across the state. Read about the tradition in Georgia at atlantasacredharp.org
Holy Trinity Parish, the second Tuesday of each month, 7-9 p.m., in the Parish Hall, entrance on Sycamore Lane, Decatur.
Emory Presbyterian Church, first Thursdays except December, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., in the fellowship building, 1886 North Decatur Road, 30307.
Church of Our Saviour, third Sundays, mini-singing school from 6-6:25 p.m., singing from 6:30-8:30, Garrison Hall (the building opposite the main sanctuary entrance) 1068 North Highland Ave., 30306.
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First Five Freedoms is proud to join Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law, The Temple, and All Saints Episcopal Church for "Faith, Law, & Democracy: A Community Conversation on the Public Good and the Rule of Law" on Tuesday June 2. We hope you will consider joining us for this important discussion. Americans across the political spectrum are grappling with a shared unease: the feeling that something foundational is slipping. Trust in institutions is eroding. The norms that once governed public life are contested. And the concept of the public good — the idea that we share a common stake in fair, just, and accountable governance — is increasingly hard to find in our public discourse. This program brings together faith leaders, legal experts, and engaged community members for an evening of honest conversation about what is at stake. Hosted at All Saints Episcopal Church and co-presented by The Temple, Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law (GLRL), and First Five Freedoms, the event weaves together spiritual reflection, legal analysis, and civic dialogue to address one central question: What does it mean to protect the rule of law — and why does it matter for all of us, right now? The evening will include reflection, analysis, and discussion designed to:
- Connect faith, law, and civic responsibility in an accessible, nonpartisan framework
- Examine current challenges to the rule of law and their implications for democracy
- Create space for authentic dialogue across perspectives and institutions
- Foster relationships and identify opportunities for collective action
Faith, Law & Democracy, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 634 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta 30308. Featured speakers include: Rev. Natosha Reid Rice, Minister for Public Life, All Saints’ Episcopal Church; Rabbi Lydia Medwin, Associate Rabbi, The Temple; Jill Steinberg, former U.S. Attorney for Georgia’s Southern District; Al Pearson, former University of Georgia Law professor; Richard Griffiths, retired journalist, and president emeritus of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. Registration for this event is free. Complimentary parking, food, and refreshments. REGISTER HERE
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