BETHEL — Armed with hymnals and church music dating back to the mid-1800s in Vermont, Our Lady of the Valley Parish is celebrating the recovery of their town over the last year with an evening of exploration into song and religion.

On Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., Music Director Kathi Tarrant of Woodstock, a professional singer and the church’s organist, will host the nondenominational tribute “of praise and worship” by leading guests in song.

The event will be held at Royalton Academy.

Tarrant, who also will serve as the accompanist for Norwich University’s chorale this fall, said in the rush of somewhat shorter church services than had been held decades ago, this is an opportunity to hear the entire message of certain hymns. She will be performing popular hymns, as well as older more obsolete hymns that Tarrant will have culled from vintage New England hymnals. She said new hymns also would be included in the evening.

During Tropical Storm Irene, Bethel was one of more than 50 communities that suffered severe damage. This is an opportunity, nearly a year later, for the community to come together once again. This time, the theme is more about celebration and recovery; less about tragedy and loss.

Tarrant said this is the perfect time to bring voices together for song.

A free-will offering will be accepted during the event. Refreshments also will be served during the festivities.

Tarrant also works with the Upper Valley Music Center. She performs at venues around the Upper Valley.

For more information, call the church at 234-9916.