Sacred Harp Markers, East Texas Convention

East Texas Musical Convention

Texas State Historical Marker # 15375

Approved in 2004, installed in 2005

Sponsored by the East Texas Sacred Harp Convention

Text on marker:

East Texas Musical Convention

Sacred Harp (Fasola) singing is based on a system of shaped notes, dispersed harmony, and minor chords. In its origins it was rural, folk, religious music that allowed singers to interpret, or personalize, the sounds. Brought westward by migrating settlers, and kept alive through special songbooks, it found a welcome home in East Texas, where many settlers were from the south. Tradition holds that the East Texas Sacred Harp Singing Society, forerunner of the East Texas Musical Convention, dates to 1855. Suspended briefly during the Civil War years, the annual conventions, centered on six area counties, have maintained their popularity through the years. (2005)

Due to the fact that the East Texas Convention was a moveable convention with no certain location – and that the exact location of organization is uncertain – the historical marker was placed on the grounds of the Depot Museum in Henderson, Texas. Since the marker was received from the Texas Historical Commission, the Convention could not just write what we wanted. Information had to be submitted to the Commission and they wrote the text of the marker. Some of us were not completely satisfied, having asked the marker to be changed to the following text (and which we thought was done):

Sacred Harp (Fasola) singing is based on a system of shaped notes and Four-Part Harmony, with emphasis on dispersed harmony and minor chords. In its origins it was Rural, Folk, Religious Music that allowed Singers to Interpret, or Personalize, the Sounds. Brought westward by Migrating Settlers, and kept alive through special songbooks, It found a welcome home in East Texas, where many Settlers were from the South. Tradition holds the East Texas Sacred Harp Musical Convention dates to 1855. Suspended briefly during the Civil War years, the Annual Conventions, centered on six area Counties, have maintained their popularity through the years.

Even this text was not how we would have written it, but was a compromise suggestion with what the Commission sent to us.