In my grandfather's church, accompanying the singing with instruments was considered sinful. He belonged to the Iron Hill "United Baptist" association, with congregations in Ohio and eastern Kentucky. There were congregations that were excommunicated because they allowed instruments and/or P.A. systems in their churches.

Granddad was an accomplished musician who gave up fiddle and banjo when he joined the church, so I never got to hear him play. But he sang like a mountain bird, and that is where I acquired my love of unaccompanied singing.

Janie