Celebrating a Century of Southern Gospel The State Annual Singing Convention in Benson, NC by Rachel Harris At the Singing Grove, in the center of town stand several shady oak trees that shelter the overflow of the large crowds attending the Benson Sing -- the perfect scene to celebrate 100 years of Gospel Music. Gospel Music is integral to the town of Benson; it’s what they’re most well known for, and it certainly brings its share of tourists to the town each June. The State Annual singing convention is a free event for the public. It is also free to enter the singing competition and round robin as well. The event is open to groups and choirs from anywhere in the United States but usually attracts groups from the East Coast. “Traditionally, we have a singing contest but this year the board of directors decided that the centennial should be more of a celebration; a homecoming,” said
Rayvon Best, Manager for The State Annual Singing Convention Board. However, this year they focused on meet and greet of the families of the founders of the convention, it’s directors, and past and present winning groups. In the back of the large white tent, tables were set up with the names of the founders and flowers in memory of each one. J.V Barefoot, T.C Miller, J.B Raynor, J.H Rose, and Simon P. Honeycutt. There were autograph books for Founder families and for anyone that had ever sung at Benson. Old programs and Newspaper articles going back at least 50 years were there too! I was privileged to sign the books for my family; The Josh Harris Family. We actually won the 2017 Consolation trophy.
