September 12, 2025
East Texas Baptist University hosted its 15th annual Great East Texas Hymn Sing on Friday, September 12, at Baker Chapel in the Rogers Spiritual Life Center. Hundreds of participants, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and churches from across East Texas and neighboring states, joined for an afternoon of worship, fellowship, and a shared celebration of Christian faith. This year’s Hymn Sing coincided with Family Weekend on the Hill, presenting a special opportunity for Tiger families to join in the tradition with students.
“Your presence at ETBU reminds us that we are never alone on this journey of faith, but united together as one body in Christ,” President J. Blair Blackburn said. “We rejoice in the opportunity to join together for this special time of singing hymns and lifting our voices in praise to our Heavenly Father. The beauty and poetry of these worshipful songs, rich in theology, grounded in Scripture, reflective of faith journeys, have carried generations of believers through trials, victories, and seasons of life.”
Director of Alumni Relations Cari Johnson added that the event is a cherished campus tradition that bridges generations.
“Hymn Sing is a campus tradition that provides a wonderful opportunity for multi-generational worship,” Johnson said. “What a joy to invite Alumni back to campus to lead us in the hymns of our faith. We are excited to share this unique experience with students and their families, as well as hundreds of friends from our East Texas region. We come together to sing a new song—one that instrumentally and vocally hasn’t been experienced exactly like this before now—to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness.”
Since its inception in 2010, the Great East Texas Hymn Sing at ETBU highlights the rich heritage of hymnody and unites generations through timeless songs of praise. Several ETBU alumni, faculty, and staff led portions of the worship service, including David Berryhill (’94), Hannah Hopkins (’24), and Justin Hayes (’00).
“ETBU looks forward to hosting the Great East Texas Hymn Sing each year as it brings Christian believers together from across the region to sing the beloved hymns of the faith,” Vice President for Executive Affairs Dr. Scott Bryant said. “What a privilege it is for East Texas Baptist University to host individuals and church groups for this special event.”
ETBU’s School of Communication and Performing Arts opened the event with “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” and closed with the University’s hymn, “To God Be the Glory.” The ETBU Hilltop Singers and ETBU Concert Choir, led by Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music Dr. Pat Antinone, also contributed to the celebration.
“This Hymn Sing is a highlight for the choirs and myself every fall,” Antinone said. “The invitation to participate in this event is among the more special privileges we enjoy as ETBU ambassadors. It is a wonderful celebration of worship, community, and song. There is something very special about the opportunity to share those favorite hymns with the next generation our students represent. It is a unique time of worship that leaves my heart full. I carry that joy with me for times when I most need it.”