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Canton Church Opener Invites Crowd Participation
Author: mt43news staff reporter

MT43 News Staff Reporter

Broadwater County’s 4th of July and 250th national celebration events opened at the Canton Church Friday with a rousing sing-along provided by the newly formed community choir.

The 150-year-old church has some of the finest acoustics of any building in the valley. Members of the community choir made use of those acoustics with a volley of patriotic songs. The crowd of 45 raised their voices in unison to sing "America the Beautiful", "Star Spangled Banner", "God Bless America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic", among others.

Earlier this year, Mary Duede contacted retired school music teacher Carla Amundson, suggesting they start a community choir for the celebration. After calls from interested volunteers, Carla and Mary recruited a group of folks who like to sing.

They included Mary, Mary Ann Salladay, Margy Urich, Chuck Smith, George Jenkins and two folks new to Townsend, Patti and Ted Aston. Others have joined the group but were not available.

Choir Director Amundson shared that several people from the audience became emotional during the performance: “They said they teared up with feelings of patriotism at hearing these familiar songs that reflected our nation’s history."

Mary Ann, Mary, and Chuck Smith presented a commentary for many of the songs – their history, who wrote them and how they have evolved in our culture.

A military presentation of the American flag set the tone for what was a moving and emotional afternoon, singing this country’s beloved ballads. John Sommers and Aiden Mosher presented the flag. They are part of Scouting America East Helena Troop #212.

Friday’s performance was the choir’s initial performance. They will perform at Townsend’s 4th of July Celebration in Heritage Park at 1:00 p.m.

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PhotoCredit: MT43 News Photo
Image 1 Caption: The newly formed Community Choir sang at the first of this summer's events at the Canton Church. Volunteers who enjoy singing are invited to join the group, the first to perform in many years, since the Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints community choir was active, led by Zelda Diehl. MT43 News Photo
Image 2 Caption: Ted and Patti Aston, volunteers who sing with the Community Choir, are new to the community, having lived here three years. Both enjoy music. Patti indicated she began playing violin when she was in 4th grade. Ted said he "just likes to sing." MT43 News Photo