We were permitted because of time limitations to sing only two songs, but we wanted to sing our traditional opening hymn also.

Eula Lemoy pounded out the opening hymn, which was kind of hard to recognize and downright impossible to sing along with.

"It would be nice if we could arrive on time for once, instead of parading up the aisle like beauty contestants during the opening hymn."

Talmadge Scully, down front, brought the congregation to its feet to sing the opening hymn.

And the theme of the service, from the opening hymn, "Alleluia!

The chapel was jammed with mourners, who raised their voices proudly with the opening hymn.

An opening hymn is usually sung by the congregation.

Clouds of vapour formed as we sang the opening hymn and three people walked out from sheer cold before the sermon.

The Old Lady listened to the opening hymns with keen pleasure.

The congregation and I sat silently until the opening hymn was announced, and then we all stood.