AMANDA JOHNSON For The Record
Young and old, residents and travelers, amateurs, professionals and just listeners all gathered in Benson's oak-shaded Singing Grove yesterday to partake in the 89th State Annual Singing Convention.
Among an estimated Sunday crowed of 1,900 were two women who were especially proud to be present for the sing.
Recognized as the oldest audience member, Ferrell Adams Browning, 92, was raised four miles east of Benson and recalled her earliest sing experiences.
"We used to walk here, more to be in the company of the young people than we did the sing back then," Mrs. Browning said. "We'd spread out lunch on the back of the wagon. There's been so much change since then, it's mind boggling."
Mrs. Browning, the aunt of Benson resident Bonnie Dunn, is now a great-grandmother and resides in Wilmington, but said she came for the good gospel message.
"I've lived a long time, seen a lot of things and I've been blessed," Mrs. Browning said. "I don't have a whole lot of family, but I've got a strong Christian family.
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