Crossing denominational lines, teaching singing in schools and winning the respect of the communities in Southern Georgia, William Jackson Royal involved the entire region in building a strong convention. By 1912 , the Royal Singing Convention had gowned too large to be held in any of the local church building. To accommodate the people who attended, the members purchase a large canvas tent which was rotated to different host sites each year.
On August 29, 1919, a building committee was organized to act on a proposal that a suitable tabernacle be built in the town of Mystic, Georgia. Seven lots were purchased at a cost of $190. The total cost of the building construction was $ 5,279.46, and it could seat approximately 2,000 people. The singing tradition, as well as the feeling of oneness experienced as part of the annual sing, continued to attract people associated with the Convention, back to Mystic on the third Sunday of July each year. The 85th and last "Royal Singing Convention" was held in the little town of Mystic in Irwin County Georgia in July of 1977.
'Sheiby Bozeman 2013'
He founded the first known singing convention in the State of Georgia, he was instrumental in teaching shape note singing that is still used in churches of Christ today.
'Winnettee 2015'
The success of his endeavor soon gave rise around the state to numerous other local singing conventions, which were usually organized as regularly occurring countywide events. Jasper, the seat of Pickens County, for example, hosted a biannual convention that attracted hundreds of participants during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century's.
Date of Death altered after receiving Georgia Death Certificate # 31-12549
Crossing denominational lines, teaching singing in schools and winning the respect of the communities in Southern Georgia, William Jackson Royal involved the entire region in building a strong convention. By 1912 , the Royal Singing Convention had gowned too large to be held in any of the local church building. To accommodate the people who attended, the members purchase a large canvas tent which was rotated to different host sites each year.
On August 29, 1919, a building committee was organized to act on a proposal that a suitable tabernacle be built in the town of Mystic, Georgia. Seven lots were purchased at a cost of $190. The total cost of the building construction was $ 5,279.46, and it could seat approximately 2,000 people. The singing tradition, as well as the feeling of oneness experienced as part of the annual sing, continued to attract people associated with the Convention, back to Mystic on the third Sunday of July each year. The 85th and last "Royal Singing Convention" was held in the little town of Mystic in Irwin County Georgia in July of 1977.
'Sheiby Bozeman 2013'
He founded the first known singing convention in the State of Georgia, he was instrumental in teaching shape note singing that is still used in churches of Christ today.
'Winnettee 2015'
The success of his endeavor soon gave rise around the state to numerous other local singing conventions, which were usually organized as regularly occurring countywide events. Jasper, the seat of Pickens County, for example, hosted a biannual convention that attracted hundreds of participants during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century's.
Date of Death altered after receiving Georgia Death Certificate # 31-12549
Inscription
Memorial: Mystic, Irwin Co, GA
William Jackson Royal, 'Uncle Billy'
April 16, 1850-May 24, 1931
Founder and first president of the Royal Singing Coventon.
Stalwart in heart, mind and body;
gentle, kind and considerate; his
lilting gospel songs thrilled and
admonished, lifted and inspired.
He loved as he was beloved by the
thousands who joined him here
and throughout his native section
to sing joyously, hymns of praise
and petition.
Leader, gentleman and nobleman
of God, His Sprite and Influence will
live through the ages"
Family Members
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James Alfred "Uncle Jimmy" Royal
1872–1950
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Charles Augustine Royal
1874–1951
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William Jackson Royal Jr
1877–1916
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Mattie Rebecca Royal Whitley
1878–1910
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Minnie Ore Royal
1880–1916
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Thomas Addie Royal
1882–1954
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Walter Talmadge Royal
1884–1920
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Binion Shinholster Royal
1887–1976
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Mary Lillie Royal Sims
1892–1974