Page 60 - Erath

Although there were years that the singing schools weren’t held, each generation of current Highland Church members seems to have had a chance to participate.

Olene Mathis, 87, and Norma Nell House, 81, both born in the Highland community, said they remember attending the events at a very young age; sometimes at Highland and other times at nearby communities.“I went to a singing school at Round Grove (also Erath County) before I ever went to public school,” Olene said. “I was at all of them around here.” “Back then, people didn’t have as much to do as they do now,” Norma Nell said. “Everybody’s so busy now. Back then, everyone came to the singing schools. There were singers, but there were also a lot of people who just came to listen. It was a big crowd, like we were having a revival, but it was a singing school.”

Both Olene and Norma Nell still use things they learned in those early-day schools. Olene is the long-time Highland Church organist, and is also a gifted pianist. Norma Nell has played piano for the church for approximately 60 years. “Olene

TOP Among the singing school teachers and Sunday special music teachers at Highland are (L-R) Kay Teague, Mandy Locke, Marcie House Couch, Susan Locke Keith, Bette House and Mindi House. Not pictured are singing school teachers Christine Locke Bridges, Cynthia Evans-Hulsey, Burt Atkins and Nanci House.