Homemade baked goods, sharing songs of praise

The Watson Family from Rosevine in Sabine County, north of Hemphill, has a special hobby they enjoy sharing with the world as a family.

They are known around the Hemphill area for their spontaneous trips to town when their two oldest boys, Charles, 10 and Matthew, 9, also known as The Watson Brothers, sing harmonized hymns in a cappella for locals.

The family of six, mom, Erin Watson, dad, Charles Watson, The Watson Brothers, and their two youngest, James, 6 and Elizabeth, 5, travel together selling homemade baked goods and sharing songs of praise by the Watson Brothers.

“We’ve always enjoyed singing, since they were little bitty,” said Erin. “A few years ago, we wanted to raise some money for vacation, so we decided that we would bake cookies to sell and go around town selling cookies and singing for people.

“Since then,” she added, “what started off as a single idea has taken off and turned into a family hobby. The kids just love it.”

Not only does the family sing in the Hemphill area, but they also made their first singing and baked goods trip to Center in August. “When we came to Center, it was so much fun because nobody knew who we were,” said Erin. “The businesses we went into, we sang them a song, and it brought them so much joy.”

After their first experience sharing their songs and treats with locals in Center, the Watson family says they will be back again. “We usually go to Hemphill every other Friday when we have the time,” said Erin. “We really enjoyed going to Center as well, and we’ll most likely be back,” she said.

Their cookies sell for $8 for a bag of nine. Choices include chocolate chip or M&M cookies. They also sell homemade banana nut bread and pumpkin bread. “People enjoy us coming, it’s beneficial for our family and the kids really enjoy it,” said Erin. “Singing and selling cookies is nothing but pure fun for the kids — no pressure, just pure fun.”

Not only can you find the Watson family singing in Hemphill or Center, but on their Youtube Channel, WatsonFamilySingers, where they have more than 700 subscribers.

You’ll find a variety of videos on their channel including “Porch Sessions” of the Watson Brothers (Charles and Matthew) singing praise songs in a cappella. Their Youtube Channel description reads, “Our goal is to uplift one another through singing hymns and spiritual songs and through daily devotional readings.”

The Watson Family trips to town are called spontaneous, but they usually aim for every other Friday.

Watch for them. And enjoy baked goods and praise songs.