September 22, 2023
Hundreds gathered for East Texas Baptist University’s annual Great East Texas Hymn Sing on Friday, September 22, in Baker Chapel of the Rogers Spiritual Life Center. ETBU welcomed students, faculty and staff, alumni, community members, and churches from around the East Texas region and neighboring states for an afternoon of worship, fellowship, and celebration of Christian faith.
“What a joy to worship with everyone again,” Director of Alumni Relations and Intercessory Prayer Ministry Coordinator Cari Johnson said. “ETBU has produced phenomenal worship leaders over the years, and it is a rich opportunity to have them return and lead us in song. When hundreds of believers gather for corporate praise, we are not only unified in our love for the Lord, but we get to experience a meaningful time of worship that is uniquely possible when we congregate to sing in a sacred space for a special purpose. I trust that the Lord was honored during our time together.”
Several ETBU alumni, faculty, and staff helped lead segments of the worship, including David Berryhill (’94), Austin Anderson (’19, ’20), Aaron Perkins (’05), Director of Admissions Debbie Stevens (’20), and Assistant Professor of Music Jonathan Kaan (’04). Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music Pat Antinone, who directed ETBU’s Concert Choir during the worship ceremony, expressed his excitement about this year’s event.
“The students and I have really been looking forward to this, and we are proud to be a part of this beautiful tradition for East Texas and ETBU," Dr. Antinone said. “Music is such an important part of our worship tradition. There is no more meaningful way for our students to connect with our community than to join in singing our hymns of faith."
The Great East Texas Hymn Sing has been a cherished tradition at ETBU since it was first held on the campus in 2010. The event remains a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to gather in a spirit of unity and praise to celebrate the rich heritage of hymnody.
“We are grateful for another opportunity to worship together and sing these timeless songs we know and hold dear,” Vice President for Advancement and Administrative Affairs Scott Bryant said. “For generations, hymns have been used to tell the Gospel story and to help Christians grow in their faith. They continue to encourage us, strengthen us, and challenge us.”