For singers of the Sacred Harp

Parting Hand

The songs you want sung when your own singing is done.

still being built
“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.”
Parting Hand · The Sacred Harp, Denson 62

The idea

When a singer dies, the class gathers and sings the songs they loved. Parting Hand is a quiet place to set those wishes down now, while you can — the songs, the order they should be led, and the person you trust to carry them out.

How it will work

fa

Choose your songs

Build your memorial lesson from the Denson or the Cooper book, and set the order they should be led.

sol

Name a trusted hand

Appoint a friend or family member who will hold your wishes and know when the time has come.

la

They tell the class

When you part, your steward opens your page, and the songs you chose are sung.

Not open yet

Parting Hand is being built slowly and with care. If you’d like word when it opens, write to us.

Write to us