FROM THE BOARD…

What a great year 2026 is shaping up to be. With the recent success of sold out Winter Break 2026 at the Farm in Selma, featuring Mark Lowry and Endless Highway, we turn our attention to the Annual Singing Convention set to take place in June.

In preparation for the 2026 North Carolina State Annual Singing Convention the decision has been made to return to a two-day format. This decision came after much thought, prayer and deliberation as to how to grow the time-honored tradition. The success of the Convention has always relied upon the support of the congregations represented by area churches. As these churches began hosting more and more events on Sundays, we came to the conclusion that hosting festivities on Sundays was a direct conflict with the activities sponsored by the various churches throughout the county and region. The hope is that with the support of the local churches, the attendance on Friday and Saturday will continue to grow and the event as a whole will thrive.  Our desire is to continue to offer the same amount of great Gospel music, packed into two days rather than spreading it over a three-day span.

This year marks the 105th annual celebration for the event, making it the oldest, continuously-operated Gospel singing convention in the country. The time-honored tradition began modestly in a tobacco warehouse in 1921 when about 200 people gathered to listen to two choirs sing that day. Over the years, the event has attracted thousands and hosted many of the most popular names in Gospel Music.

Festivities this year will kick off on Friday evening, June 26, at 7pm, much like they did 105 years ago with several area choirs taking the stage in the beautiful, picturesque oak grove in downtown Benson on Main Street. The list of choirs scheduled to be featured include the JoCo Community Choir, Midway Baptist Church Choir, Central Baptist Church Choir and the Wilmington Celebration Choir. The evening will climax with a spectacular Patriotic celebration with all choirs on-stage performing songs honoring our country’s 250-year anniversary.

Music begins early on Saturday morning, June 27, at 10am with approximately 30 popular regional groups who have become favorites among event attendees over the years. Musical melodies will continue throughout the day highlighted by talented duo, Jeff & Sheri Easter, as well as Wesley Pritchard & Friends, taking the stage around 6pm. Both have traveled world-wide, touring on the highly successful Gaither Homecoming Tour and have also been featured on the multi-award winning Homecoming Video Series.

A complete schedule of groups featured on June 26 & 27 at the North Carolina State Annual Singing Convention will be available in the coming weeks. The event is free to the public. Some seating is provided; however, spectators and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and spend the weekend enjoying great Gospel music in the Grove!

Blessings to you and we look forward to seeing you in June!

Your Board of Directors – State Annual Singing Convention