Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Sacred Harp singing at Edwardsville Baptist Church was held on the first Sunday in April. The class was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Eunice Webb leading 59. Henry Johnson offered the morning prayer. Eunice Web led 30b; Pearl Guier 40, 448b; Lonnie Rogers 112; B.M. Smith 101t, 222.

A business was held with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Eunice Webb; Vice Chairman—B.M. Smith; Arranging Committee/Secretary—Hester Edwards and Pearl Guier; Memorial Committee—Pearl Guier.

Leaders: Eunice Webb 32t; B.M. Smith 503; Lela Crowder 495, 99; Stanley Edwards 312b; Carlene Griffin 81t, 146; Myron House 191, 109; Lou Cotney 189, 384; Hugh McGraw 510; Daphene Causey 269 (for Shelbie Sheppard).

Jeff Sheppard introduced Joey Brackner, Alabama State Council of Arts, who brought a group of people from the Georgia Council of the Arts Folklorist who are studying music of the Southern Culture. Joey Brackner and the group led 61.

RECESS

B.M. Smith led 318 to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Charlene Wallace 283, 439; John Plunkett 71, 38b; Karleen Williams 405 (dedicated to her sister, who just become a grandmother), 203; Cecil Roberts 124, 335; Reba Windom 373, 171; Oscar McGuire 573; Judy Chambless 493, 569b; Ed Thacker 184, 289; Jan House and Myron House 200, 155.

Pearl Guier conducted the memorial lesson. The following deceased from the Edwardsville community were remembered: Alonzo Edwards, Estelle Owen Burford, Helen Hughes Robinson, Irene Skinner, Norman Thompson, Noel (Doc) Thompson, Delia Walker Shelton, and Vivian Owen Ray. Also remembered was Harry Fox (step-dad of Jan House). Henry Johnson led 418 for the deceased.

Mary L. Smith led 400 for the following sick and shut-ins: Nancy Allen, Myrtle Smith, Shelbie Sheppard, Richard Shipman, Lester Shipman, Alice Edwards, Alma Owen, Louise Owen, Lula Lee Donaldson, and all the U.S. service people. Pearl Guier closed the memorial with prayer.

Leaders: Jeff Sheppard 63,128; Laurel Horton 69t, 38b; Ruth Daniel 127, 378t; Ann McKinsey 37b, 354b.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was brought to order by Eunice Webb leading 340. Leaders: Sharon DuPriest 212, 186; Robert Chambless 421, 68b; Joey Brackner and group 137, 361; Sherrie Edwards 425, 282; Tony Hammock 131 (t? b?), 42; Teenie Moody 138t, 565; B.J. Harris 49b, 303; Joyce Cauthen 274t, 58; Lewis Norton 45t, 208; Evelyn Harris 39b, 47t; Jim Cauthen 79, 105; Sherrell Cleino 100, 142; Lance Ledbetter 176t, 36b; Karen Reaves 339; Roy Nelson 87; Henry Johnson 135; Jan House 143 (dedicated to the memory of Vivian Rogers), 148.

After announcements were made, Eunice Webb led 62 while those who wished took the parting hand. B.J. Harris offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Eunice Webb; Vice Chairman—B.M. Smith; Secretary—Hester Edwards.