The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada will hold its Annual Conference July 14-17, 2024, on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta.  This year’s theme, “Without Limits: Singing the Congregation’s Song,” offers an opportunity to reflect on the many ways that communities join their voices together, with particular emphasis on the song of the Black church.

The conference will include an abundance of opportunities for learning, connecting, celebrating, singing, and more. This year’s event will include a lively and engaging hymn festival each evening, offering participants an opportunity to sing with the Black Church under the leadership of dynamic leaders, including Raymond Wise, Alisha Lola Jones, Donté Ford, and James Abbington, FHS. The opening festival on Sunday evening will feature a choir of singers from various historically Black colleges and universities, and the concluding festival on Wednesday will be held at Atlanta’s historic Friendship Baptist Church.

In addition to the evening hymn festivals, the conference will feature thought-provoking plenary addresses by scholars Alisha Lola Jones, Khalia J. Williams, and James Abbington, FHS. There will also be dozens of sectional presentations on a wide variety of topics, the Emerging Scholars Forum, a hymnal showcase, a featured session, and connection zones for meeting others who share common interests.

Anyone who believes in the importance of congregational song is welcome to register for the full conference. Advance registration rates are available through June 15. For more information or to register, visit www.thehymnsociety.org.