What better place for a singing school and a gospel singing convention than Webster County, and the area around Eupora?
Especially with this area being the home of many well-known singers such as the Blantons, Prewitts and of course, in nearby Choctaw County, the Blackwoods, not to forget William Golden, who was a native of Webster County.
On May 29, Eupora First Baptist Church was once again host to the Marty Phillips Singing School. Marty Phillips is the owner of Phillips Gospel Songbook Publishing Co. in Crossett, Arkansas, and has come to this area for over 30 years with his wife, Ann, and their son, Madison, to teach singing schools.
Of course, the first day of the school being Memorial Day, the attendance was a surprise record attendance. There were many younger beginner students and that could be a sign of there being more singings in the future.
Every day, Marty taught the adults much about music including time, and everything needed to play and sing, as Miss Ann taught the beginners. At the close of the week, on Friday night, there was a concert by all the students who had been practicing all week
But does it all end here?
No, because, on June 24 at 10 a.m. Lisa and Lara Threet, and others are hosting the annual Webster County Singing Convention at Calvary Baptist Church at 960 VFW Road near Eupora, where the Rev. Shorty Carden is pastor.
It is hoped that like last year, there will be a large attendance of local people in addition to out-of-state people. There will be a break at noon, with a covered-dish lunch, with the singing to continue after lunch.
