Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The Pontotoc Music Study Club sponsored an evening of Sacred Harp singing on Thursday, February 15, 2007, which was held in the Conference Room of Pontotoc Electric Power Association in downtown Pontotoc, Mississippi, beginning at 7:00 p.m. There were approximately seventy-five people present, including club members, area Sacred Harp singers, and many guests. Everyone was welcomed by Mrs. Terena Kyle, Music Study Club President.

The club’s hymn of the month, “On Jordon’s Stormy Banks I Stand,” was led by Mrs. Ellouise Dallas. Mrs. Virginia Dillard, who had coordinated the evening’s activities, introduced Chuck Howell, a local Sacred Harp singer. Mr. Howell introduced Dr. Warren Steel, a music professor at the University of Mississippi. Dr. Steel began by giving some instructions to the group about Sacred Harp singing, and then called the class to order by leading 128 and 40. Dr. Steel then gave a brief talk on the history of Sacred Harp singing.

Leaders: Mark Tew 36b, 339; Anne Steel 268, 348b; George Easley 313t, 34b; Chuck Howell 373, 112; Charles Porter 136, 155.

Dr. Steel continued his talk about the history of Sacred Harp singing. Leaders: Warren Steel 65; Patricia Henry 358, 63; Curtis Gregory 108t, 162; Stanley Wise, Jr. 282.

Following announcements, the program was dismissed with Warren Steel and Briana Logan leading 45t. The Pontotoc Music Study Club then served refreshments which were catered by Rose Mitchell and Ralph Mitchell.