Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Sacred Harp singing held at Edwardsville Baptist Church on the first Sunday in April was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Roy Nelson leading song on page 32t. B.J. Harris offered the morning prayer.

Leaders: Roy Nelson 87; Lonnie Rogers 33b, 101t; Mary Florence Smith 75, 39b; Roy Nelson 61; Tommy McGraw 30t, 475; Nancy Allen 106 (for Shelbie Sheppard); Bobby Jackson 34t, 569 (t? b?); Lois Owen 373, 454; B.M. Smith 273 (for Syd Caldwell), 28b (for his mother, Myrtle Smith).

A business session was held with the class voting to retain the following officers: Chairman—Roy Nelson; Vice Chairman—Lonnie Rogers; Arranging Committee/Secretary—Hester Edwards; Memorial Committee—Mary Florence Smith.

Leaders: Jan House 408, 171; B.J. Harris 503, 225t; Carlene Griffin 81t, 448b; Michael Turner and B.M. Smith 59, 294 (for Keith Turner, father of Michael Turner); Lou Cotney 384, 189.

RECESS

Lonnie Rogers brought the class together leading song on page 97. Leaders: Earlis McGraw 544, 435; Eunice Webb 460, 358; Myron House 70t, 207; Myron House and Jan House 143 (in honor of their first date which was at Edwardsville on the first day of April, thirteen years ago); Charlene Wallace 122, 314; Henry Johnson 56b, 385 (t? b?).

Mary Florence Smith presented the memorial lesson, and led songs on pages 403 and 271 (t? b?) for the deceased: Fratus Owen, Cecil Edwards, Berchie Thompson, Ruby Edwards Smith, Kevin Morrow, Bobbie Jean Morrow, Tommie Owen, Ann Buckner, Bobby Wayne Hyatt, Bessie Headrick Mitchum, Peggy Ann Norton Stamps, Arlin Vaughn, Terry Robinson, Inez Robertson (99 years old), Jimmy Joe Parker, Mrs. Noell (sister of L.L. Yates). All the names on the list were from around the community.

Mary Florence Smith led song on page 122 for the sick and shut-ins that included: Mozelle Sheppard, Vivian Rogers, I.V. McWhorter, Oakie Austin, Reba Edwards, Gladys McGraw, Rebecca Lowman, Joyce Thomason, Harry Fox, Ollie Walker (97 years old), Ethel Bannister, Barbara Hamby, Molene Thompson, and Noel Thompson. Mary Florence Smith led song on page 490 especially for Molene Thompson.

The pastor, Rev. Junior Jones, closed the memorial, welcomed everyone, and offered the blessing on the noon meal.

LUNCH

Lonnie Rogers brought the afternoon session to order leading song on page 186. Leaders: Jeff Sheppard 185, 491 (for Reba Edwards); Evelyn Harris 47t, 155; Oscar McGuire 276, 441; Glenda Collins 124, 282; Jimmie Denney 68b, 389; Karen Reaves 335, 410t; Everette Denney 405, 146; Ruth Daniel 127, 378t; Reba Norton 177, 270; Lewis Norton 30b, 172; Nellie Mae White 100, 159; Celia Sanders 354 (t? b?); Jeff Sheppard, Rev. Junior Jones, and Jeanette Jones 45t.

Announcements were made. Roy Nelson led song on page 312b as the closing song. Elder Lewis Norton dismissed the class with prayer.

Chairman—Roy Nelson; Vice Chairman—Lonnie Rogers; Secretary—Hester Edwards.