GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1999

S	2 

SENATE RESOLUTION 1351
Rules and Operations of the Senate
Committee Substitute Senate Resolution Adopted 6/20/00

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Sponsors:

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Referred to:

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May 22, 2000

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
A SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING BENSON'S EIGHTIETH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL SINGING CONVENTION.
Whereas, the State Annual Singing Convention is held the fourth weekend in June each year; and
Whereas, the founders of the "State Annual Singing Convention", Simon P. Honeycutt, J.B. Raynor, J.H. Rose, J.V. Barefoot, and T.C. Miller, along with other interested people, did inaugurate the first of these sessions to be held annually in the Town of Benson; and
Whereas, church choirs and other groups from that time have come to sing the songs of their faith in the "Singing Grove", for the most part, on East Main Street each year since its beginning in 1921; and
Whereas, memorial services held each year on Sunday bring these folks, and others who have continued their efforts, to mind; and
Whereas, the efforts to produce and promote this event by many interested people over the years have made and kept it an important part to the community's life; and
Whereas, the "Sing" has and continues to provide an atmosphere for Christian fellowship, inspiration, and good, clean, wholesome family fun, and entertainment; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Senate recognizes the importance of the event to the singers and groups who have come from across North Carolina and surrounding states to give the real life to the "Sing"; and
Whereas, thankfully, each generation has furnished folks who have taken the task in hand to continue this part of Benson's and North Carolina's heritage; and
Whereas, the echoes of the gospel songs and the applause of past audiences will forever ring among the tops of the trees of the Grove; and
Whereas, considerable investments have been made by the citizens and business community of the Town of Benson in the acquisition of the "Grove" property and the construction of the present and former facilities; and
Whereas, all who now are connected with the event recognize the generosity of and give thanks to the early A.M. and Katherine Denning families who for years donated the "Grove" for the use of the "Sing"; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Senate recognizes the wisdom of the founders in establishing the "Sing", the efforts of the Town of Benson, its employees and its citizens, Mayor Don H. Johnson, the Town Council, and the directors and officers of the "Sing" and appreciate their support, dedication, and assistance; and
Whereas, the "Sing" is now recognized across the State and nation as a place where Southern Gospel Music prevails at its best; and
Whereas, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has selected the State Annual Singing Convention for the production of a two-hour documentary; and
Whereas, the 80th anniversary of the State Annual Singing Convention is to be held June 23-25, 2000; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
Section 1.  The Senate commends and applauds the Sing Directors and Committees and joins with them in inviting all to attend, as singers or audience, the 80th anniversary of the State Annual Singing Convention in the Town of Benson to celebrate the rich heritage and tradition of this significant occasion and event.
Section 2.  This resolution is to be made a part of the official records of the North Carolina Senate and a copy of it to be furnished to the Town of Benson, the 80th State Annual Singing Convention Committee, and its president, Bobby Johnson.
Section 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.