Musicians play jaunty country renditions of familiar hymns at South Butler Assembly of God church for a Country-Gospel Music Jam on Wednesday night. From left are Ricky Lake, "Washboard Tony," Jim Schur and Dave Sinz. Molly Miller/Butler Eagle

PENN TWP — Like the sign above the stage, musicians made a joyful noise at the Country-Gospel Music Jam at the South Butler Assembly of God church Wednesday evening.

Attendees clapped and shook tambourines to jaunty, country-style renditions of familiar hymns and contemporary favorites.

Organizer Dave Sinz said the event was held before the COVID-19 pandemic with much success, and the church decided to hold it again. The hope is to have a similar gathering on a regular basis.

“There’s lots of musicians around Butler, and most are Christians, so we wanted to get together and play music leaning toward the gospel side of it,” Sinz said.

A flyer advertising the event encouraged the musically gifted to bring an instrument and participate. After the organizers had their set, audience members were welcomed onstage to sing.

“I know there will be other musicians that show up,” Sinz said prior to the event. “Everyone takes a turn; it’s a pretty open forum. And if they want to give a testimony of what God’s done in their life, that’s good too.”

Pastor George Bender welcomed those in attendance, saying the Bible tells them to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

“It also says to make joyful sound unto the Lord,” he added. “I’m sure there will be more of that.”

Songs such as “I Saw the Light” and “How Great Thou Art” got raucous applause from the audience, as the band encouraged their participation in the choruses.

“Washboard Tony,” the event’s percussionist, said he is involved in five bands, two of them for Christian music. He especially enjoys participating in gospel nights as a way to serve.

“I’m a cancer survivor; I like to give back. I’m a messenger,” he said. “I hope to blend in. It’s not about me tonight.”

Jim Schnur brought his dobro, a resonator guitar which is normally used in bluegrass music. He said he was playing in the band for the fun of it.

“I hope people take away that there’s good musicians in the area. Even if we’re amateurs, we get the job done,” he said.

Sinz and Tony said they hope people walk away from the night of fun with more than a good memory.

“I’d like them to have a spiritual experience ... that everyone can walk away saying they had a good time and great fellowship. I don’t care how many show up, just so long as they walk away and had a good time,” Sinz said.

“I hope it draws them closer to Christ more than anything,” Tony said.