Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The one hundred twenty-eighth session of the Warrior River Convention and the one hundred-third session of the Clear Creek Convention were held at Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church on Saturday before the first Sunday in August.

Elder Philip Gilmore called the class to order at 9:45 a.m. leading song on page 32t. Marlin Beasley offered the morning prayer.

Leaders: Elder Philip Gilmore 36b, 37b; Terry Hullett 129, 63; Jewel Wootten 72t, 155; Doug Conn 430, 436; Carmon Brothers 480, 340; Willie Mae Moon 441, 460; Hershell King 97; S.T. Reed 337, 379; Genora Whitworth 378t, 70t; Marlin Beasley 318, 290; Bob Watkins 384, 371; Bud Oliver 274t, 42.

RECESS

The singing resumed with Elder Philip Gilmore leading song on page 75.

A motion was made and seconded to go into a business session. The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Elder Philip Gilmore; Vice Chairman—Chris Green; Secretary—Jewel Wootten; Arranging Committee—Terry Hullett; Memorial Committee—Linda Thomas and Elder Philip Gilmore; Finance Committee—Carmon Brothers and Doug Conn; Resolutions Committee—Chita Blakeley. The business session was closed.

Leaders: Milton Oliver 282, 405; Donna Wootten 56t, 348b; Cecil Sanders and Winell Sanders 111b; Herby Bailey 489, 569b; Eloise Wootten 108t, 299; Pininia Kane 222, 82t; Earnest Phillips 280, 424; Marlon Wootten 48t; Paula Gilmore 68b, 145b; Hannah Green 358; Mary Grace Green 66; Shane Wootten 176t, 276.

LUNCH

Chris Green brought the afternoon session to order leading songs on pages 144 and 204 in memory of Uncle John Galbreath. Leaders: Billy Williams 448b, 297; Chita Blakeley 29t, 383; Pam Green 111t, 354b; Beacher Yancey, Allison Shelton, and Christy Endsley 565, 403.

Elder Philip Gilmore and Linda Thomas conducted the memorial lesson, and led song on page 317 for the deceased: Roie Alexander, Freeman Wootten, Lydia Phillips Baswell, Gladys Phillips Adamson, Annie Brothers, Lawrence Underwood, Lula Underwood, Russell Gilliland, Ethel McGough, Frances Lee, Curtis K. Brothers, and George Glass.

Chris Green led song on page 97 for the sick and shut-ins: Eldora Green Moody, Alvin Hill, Leola Green Smith, Jap Walton, Joyce Walton, Lillie Lybrand, Bill Green, and Calvin Phillips. Hershell King closed the memorial lesson with prayer.

Leaders: Onette Watkins 146, 143; Vella Dailey 28b, 452 (in memory of her mother, Lydia Baswell, and aunt Gladys Adamson); Zena Tucker, Lorraine Tucker, and Nicole Tucker 268; Cassie Franklin and Kili Knight 338, 225t.

A business session was held. Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church will again host the convention on Saturday before the first Sunday in August in 2003.

Chita Blakeley gave the following Resolutions Committee report. “Be it resolved that we continue in the old paths of those gone before to worship the Lord in songs of praise. We must encourage one another as we support the traditions of Sacred Harp. We thank Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church and our officers who carried out their duties. We are grateful to each singer who supports us in love, friendship, and presence. No matter how small or large the crowd, the love that flows from breast to breast and within that square is our blessing from God. This convention first met in 1874, so we must not get discouraged, just pray that God will continue to bless our convention and the beautiful form of Sacred Harp singing.”

The Finance Committee reported a balance of $42.45; a collection was given in the amount of $81.00; a total of $30.00 was taken for the minutes and $51.00 was given to the church, leaving a balance of $42.45 on hand. The business session was closed.

The convention gave a welcome to Tom Mitchell from Minnesota, his first singing since his heart attack.

Elder Philip Gilmore led the following songs by request: 285t, 101t, 61, and 74b. Announcements were made. Elder Philip Gilmore led song on page 39t as the closing song. Carmon Brothers offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Elder Philip Gilmore; Vice Chairman—Chris Green; Secretary—Jewel Wootten.