Shape Note/Sacred Harp singers from many states and Canada will once again gather in Warren County for the annual Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention.This year’s event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 10-11, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Pinckney.This will be the 33rd Missouri State Convention and the 22nd consecutive time it will be held at St. John’s Church.Singing will take place from 9:30-3 p.m. both days, with the customary potluck-style “Dinner on the Grounds” at noon.Although this music was first introduced to assist congregational singing in Colonial America, nowadays it has no denominational ties. The appeal of this music transcends denominations and all singers feel enriched by it.All are invited to join in the singing — although “listeners” also are always very welcome.Whether singing or listening, attendees will have the opportunity to experience “full voiced” a cappella singing consisting of dispersed harmony and haunting lyrics.Singing will be from The Sacred Harp, first published in 1844, and from The Missouri Harmony, first published in 1820 and revised and enlarged by local singers in 2005. There will be tune books available for purchase or for use at the singing, as well as recordings of previous Sacred Harp singing conventions.St. John’s United Church of Christ is located 12 miles west of Marthasville on Highway 94. There is no admission charge to attend, but a free-will offering will be received during the course of the convention.Contributions of food dishes for the “dinner on the grounds” also will be gratefully accepted.For more information about the convention, call Paul Figura at 314-962-4870.St. John's United Church of Christ