God’s Family Reunited: Sonshine Singers and FHU Chorale Celebrate the Gary McKnight Years

For those who were once members of FHU’s Sonshine Singers or Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Gary McKnight, returning for Homecoming 2024 was like being reunited with long-lost family. Adults became college students again, long-forgotten inside jokes made a reappearance and familiar songs rolled easily off the tongue. For some, it had been 30 years since they had sung in the group. For others, it had been mere months. But no matter the time members had been apart, they found their harmony once again.

A Time to Remember

This particular reunion had been in the works for nearly a year, ever since Dr. McKnight announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2024 school year. This news lit a fire under his former chorus members who were eager for the chance to show their appreciation—to both Gary and his wife, Rosemary—and to sing under his direction one more time. Many alumni traveled from across the country, and some from across the globe, to be present.

Ricky Gootam, a 2001 graduate, traveled all the way from his home in Kakinada, India, in order to attend. “The Sonshine Singers always have been and always will be my family,” he shared. “I was a kid when I joined. I never knew about the different parts in singing, didn’t know that I could sing, and I never even knew what a chorus was! Now I have lifelong friends. God has blessed me to be part of the best group in this world.”

In the Henderson Church of Christ activity center, former group members gathered for Friday evening coffee and desserts, a Saturday morning breakfast and a Saturday afternoon luncheon. The large room was decorated with tables full of scrapbooks and memorabilia from past group travels, while a slideshow of (only slightly embarrassing) old photos was displayed on the wall. Packs of playing cards could also be found at every table—after all, group Spades tournaments were legendary.

Reunion welcome table

Reunion participants were able to purchase a commemorative T-shirt that contained a few of McKnight’s oft repeated phrases. These included his advice on punctuality (“To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is to be left.”), singing with passion but also with control (“You must have a heart of fire, but a mind of ice.”), and spiritual example (“Remember who you are and whose you are.”).

Though people came and went as they were able over the weekend, Saturday’s luncheon was packed with roughly 160 people, many former members proudly introducing spouses and children. For some, it was like introducing old families to new.

Former Sonshine Singers / Chorale members take time to reconnect

“It was so good to see everybody,” Leslie (Steely) Franklin (’02) said. “The memories, the tears and the laughter [of the reunion] were a much needed refuge. There is a place deep in my heart that cherishes my time in Sonshine Singers. It felt like old times!”

Reconnecting Through Song

After lunch, the group moved across the street to do what they loved best—sing! Old Chapel Hall was soon packed with singers separated into different voice parts in order to rehearse a handful of favorite songs. Despite the various groups or years represented, it was clear they had all been trained by the same director, as warm-up routines came naturally and harmonies fell right into place. Though he clearly wanted simply to enjoy everyone’s company and have fun with the music, McKnight quickly slipped back into director mode with high expectations. Nobody minded.

Even the most complicated of pieces came together beautifully as singers stretched their musical muscles. Rehearsing sentimental favorites like “God’s Family” and “Where No One Stands Alone” brought some tears and hugs. The afternoon gathering concluded with laughter, however, as McKnight agreed to recreate one more yearly tradition—his humorously animated reading of the children’s book “The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog.”

McKnight reading his group's favorite children's book, "The Big Wide-Mouthed Frog"

That evening, all homecoming guests were invited to participate in a time of singing praises together before reunion attendees packed the risers to perform a mini concert for friends and family. One highlight for many was getting to perform the group’s famous “Children’s Medley” once more, this time with their own children in attendance.

“That was an amazing experience!” said Monica (Holtin) Reynolds, a 2000 graduate. “I remember the Sonshine Singers coming to my church in Alabama in the 80s and me being the kid on the floor. Life truly has come full circle!”

Julie (Robbins) Collins (’06), who first met her husband Tim in the group, was excited to share the weekend with their daughter, Gracie. “We are thrilled our daughter could experience FHU in this way for the first time,” she said. “This weekend was just what we needed to encourage us. It was truly beyond what we expected!”

Credit Where Credit Is Due

While the love of music is what brought most of these individuals to the Sonshine Singers or FHU Chorale initially, the things that bring them back are the relationships with one another and with the McKnights.

“Gary and Mrs. Rosemary have shaped us all and helped to make us what we are today,” Stephanie (Bell) McAlpin (’02) shared. “Over the years, they took in hundreds of young people and showed them how to be God-fearing, loving adults.”

Lane Widick (’01) also recalled numerous personal memories with the couple, such as Rosemary offering him many home-cooked meals as a student and Gary having performed his wedding ceremony. “I have sung in many different choirs, but never did I have a director like Gary,” he said.

“What separates Freed-Hardeman from other universities is the relationship between students and professors,” Becky (Wells) Davis, a 2005 graduate, said. “But Gary (and Rosemary) were above that. Because we spent so much time together, we traveled together, etc., we formed bonds above and beyond what anyone else did while on campus. [They] were our family.”

Evening concert involving some favorite hymns of former Sonshine Singers and Chorale members

According to the McKnights, the feeling was mutual, referring to past members as “our kids.” The weekend reunion was an uplifting experience for everyone involved. “So many stories, so much laughter, a lot of happy tears and many friendships renewed,” McKnight said. “I don’t know when I’ve had a more enjoyable weekend of music making.”

As the weekend drew to a close, most alumni agreed on one important fact: another reunion simply must be planned soon!

New Memories To Be Made

While the McKnight era of directing may have come to a close, the FHU Chorale is still going strong and forging new paths, now under the leadership of Dr. Scott Wyatt. Wyatt’s inaugural year with the group has already been a successful one, with chapel performances, a standing-room only homecoming concert, a joyfully eclectic Christmas concert and plans to travel abroad to London in the summer of 2026.

If past Sonshine Singers and Chorale experiences are any indication, today’s members of the FHU Chorale have many grand adventures, lasting friendships and memorable experiences ahead of them. One day, several years down the road, they may also look back on their time in the group with a smile and a prayer of thanks for all those who helped shape them.