Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The day of singing was promptly called to order at 9:00 a.m. by President Don Clark leading song on page 82. It was announced that Vice President John Etheridge had undergone heart surgery earlier in the week, and that Gaylon Powell would serve in that capacity this year. Vice President Gaylon Powell offered the morning prayer. President Don Clark led songs on pages 75, 100; Vice President Gaylon Powell 192; Secretary Karen Clark 421. The following was then presented to a large and attentive audience, consisting of singers and listeners from nine states.

Leaders: Mike Jones 384; Wilburn Ellison 451; Felton Denney 387; Floy Wilder 183; Jimmie Denney 335; Henry Johnson 88; Andy Morse 511; Isabelle Green 282; Brenda Merritt 559; Randall Smith 137; Charlene Wallace 186; Edith Tate 540; Louis Hughes 563; Mike Hawkins 29t; Sue Bunch 573.

RECESS

Vice President Gaylon Powell called the second session to order leading song on page 144. Leaders and their selections: Billy Hollingsworth 235; Hugh McGraw 423; Helen Bryson 172; S.T. Reed 138t; Nate Green and Norma Green 336t; Dennis George 392; Bill Hogan 516; Sharon Kellam 38t; Bud Oliver 145t; John Hollingsworth 54t; John Plunkett 378b; Cassie Franklin 450; Jeff Sheppard 507b; Dan Huger 32t; Rodney Ivey 292b.

RECESS

Order was restored and the third session of the morning was called to order by Vice President Gaylon Powell leading song on page 432. President Don Clark led song on page 45t for Mrs. Leita Day who was celebrating her birthday today, and Miss Mae Prather (his 3rd grade school teacher). The following leaders were called and responded: Bobby Jackson 290 (in memory of Verdie Woods); Darlene Dalton 488b (for Tom Mitchell, who was unable to attend due to sickness, and other Minnesota friends); Alice Bejnar 445; John Merritt “Talietha Cumi”; Myra Dalton 541; Tommie Spurlock 376; Chita Blakeley 522; Susan Harcrow 215; Cindy Tanner 39; Mary Jean Payne 99; Elder Jonathan Blakeley 278b; John Merritt and Brenda Merritt 101t (for daughter, Kate, whose wedding is tomorrow).

LUNCH

The first session of the afternoon was called to order by President Don Clark leading songs on page 424 and 358 (by request). The following leaders and their selections were: Lonnie Rogers and Rodney Ivey 395b (in memory of Curtis Rogers who was a solid supporter of this singing), 222; Ted Mercer 98; Richard DeLong 524; Elder Ricky Harcrow 434; Wilton Donaldson and Ivalene Donaldson 285t, 534; Joe Nall 216; Danny Creel 182; Syble Adams 505; Frank Hataway 58; Guy Bankes 410; Mark Davis 154; Lela Crowder 491; Mike Grimes 571; Bill Aplin 385t; Charlotte Bishop 229; Betty Wright 511b.

RECESS

The last session of the day was called to order by Vice President Gaylon Powell leading song on page 507t. Leaders called were: David Yeager 148; Verlon Stiefel 572; Harrison Creel 355; Jo Ann Grimes 500; Tor Bejnar 411; Judy Mincey 156; Nancy Yeager 122; Stanley Smith 502; Andy Anderson 171; Annie Lee Price 300; Buell Cobb 553; Milton Oliver 503; Karen Rollins 136; Lee Rogers 501; LaRue Allen 200; Ernest Cockcroft 77t.

Announcements were made. President Don Clark thanked all who came and helped in any way to make the day of singing a success. Everyone is invited to come back next year on May 24, 2003, which will be the 100th anniversary of the founding of this society. Don Clark, Karen Clark, Gaylon Powell, and Bobby Jackson led song on page 62 as the closing song, and all who so desired took the parting hand. Stanley Smith dismissed the class with prayer.

President—Don L. Clark; Vice President—Gaylon Powell; Secretary—Karen Clark.