Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Sacred Harp singing at State Line Church, Cleburne County, Alabama (just off U.S. Highway 78 at the Alabama/Georgia state line) was held on Saturday before the second Sunday in April. Jeff Sheppard called the class to order at 9:00 a.m. (CT) leading song on page 32t. Rev. Clarence Cates offered the morning prayer.

Leaders: Jeff Sheppard 99; Rodney Ivey 208, 277; Mary Florence Smith 171; Helen Bryson 428; Felton Denney 387; B.J. Harris 303; Matt Wells 300; Coy Ivey 63; Bill Stewart 480; Henry Schuman 225t; Don Bowen 503; Evelyn Harris 89; William Shetter 26; Mattie Townsel 61.

RECESS

B.M. Smith brought the class to order leading song on page 335.

The class organized with a vote to retain the following officers: Chairman—Jeff Sheppard; Vice Chairman—Rodney Ivey; Arranging Committee—Bud Oliver; Memorial Committee—Helen Bryson; Secretary—Mary Florence Smith.

Leaders: Louis Hughes 176t; Daphene Causey 426b; Mel Kersey 569b; Thomas J. Willard 145b; Jeff Bell 440; Charles Wells 38b; Eileen Metzger 217; Lonnie Rogers 318; Charles Wood 197; Nate Green and Norma Green 494; LaRue Allen 117; Andy Anderson 107; Jenny Willard 460; Bob Meeks 384; Judy Mincey 474; Henry Johnson 416; Lou Cotney 189; Ted Mercer 77t.

RECESS

Bud Oliver called the class together leading song on page 332, followed by Phillip Langley leading song on page 168.

Helen Bryson gave the memorial lesson for the deceased and all the sick and shut-ins who would have loved to be here on this day. In her comments, Helen reminded us to remember those who had attended and supported this singing in the past, and read a poem she had used in the memorial several years ago.

Judy Mincey led song on page 510 for the deceased: Mary Lou Cagle, Jack Corley, Jack Smith, J.D. Muse, Allene Stanford, and Ronald Brooks—Georgia; Betty Forbes, Ruby Phillips, Cecil Edwards, Eloise Watkins, Eron White, and Ted White—Alabama; Mary K. Friday—Washington, D.C.; Bob Todd—Pennsylvania; Karen House—New York; and David Sills. Shelbie Sheppard led song on page 358 in memory of Ronald Brooks and all the Cates family. Shelbie Sheppard, Rene Greene, and Pam Nunn led song on page 269 in memory of Walker Cates and Lessie Cates.

Jenny Willard led song on page 564 for the sick and shut-ins and asked that we all remember her father who is very ill. Lonnie Rogers closed the memorial with prayer.

Leaders: Jimmie Denney 276; Linda Thomas 391; Keith Willard 37t; Eleanor Haase 454; Josephine Denney 405; Philip Gilmore 396; Thom Metzger 163 (t? b?); Laura Densmore 542.

LUNCH

Rodney Ivey brought the afternoon session to order leading song on page 426t. Leaders: Dennis George 220; Max Berueffy 328; Bobby Jackson 274t; Cassie Franklin 430; John Plunkett 415; Floy Wilder 350; Terry Wootten 224; Paula Gilmore 29t; Richard DeLong 411; Elene Stovall 142; Eugene Forbes 34b; Teenie Moody 410t; Chip Ward 383; Roy Nelson 200; Shane Wootten 172; Rene Greene 192; Margie Smith 101t; Eunice Webb 215; Rodney Willard, Barbara Willard, Keith Willard, and Jenny Willard 48b; Matt Wells 82t; Bob Meek 441; Thom Metzger 195; Jeff Bell 47t; William Shetter 556; Laura Densmore 408; Ted Mercer 95; Eileen Metzger 44; Charles Franklin 278b.

Announcements were made. Jeff Sheppard and Rodney Ivey led song on page 46 as the closing song. Louis Hughes dismissed the class with prayer.

Chairman—Jeff Sheppard; Vice Chairman—Rodney Ivey; Secretary—Mary Florence Smith.