Sunday services are no longer held at the historic St. John’s Church in Warren County, but music there continues.St. John’s will be the location of the 34th Annual Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention March 9-10.Shape Note/Sacred Harp singers will gather from many states and from Canada to sing from The Sacred Harp, first published in 1844, and from The Missouri Harmony, first published in 1820, revised and enlarged by Missouri area 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. Singers of this Early American form of singing love to come to this 1870s church because of the building’s wonderful acoustic qualities and because the building is reminiscent of the churches of Colonial New England where this style of music originated and of the rural South where it was lovingly preserved.All are invited to join in the singing, and “listeners” are also 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.Although this music was first introduced to assist congregational singing in Colonial America, nowadays it has no denominational ties. Singers come from a variety of belief backgrounds, and some come with no formal religious affiliation. The appeal of this music transcends denominations and all singers feel enriched by it.Singing will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, with the customary potluck style “dinner on the grounds” at noon. Local attendees bring various food dishes for all to share.St. John’s United Church of Christ is located 12 miles west of Marthasville on Highway 94. There is no admission charge but a free-will offering will be received during the course of the convention. Contributions of food dishes for the noon-time “dinner on the grounds” are also gratefully accepted. For more information about the 34th Annual Missouri State Sacred Harp Singing Convention call Paul Figura at 314-962-4870.St. John’s UCC