Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

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Old Harmony Primitive Baptist Church

Abernathy, Cleburne County, Alabama

April 20, 2003

The annual Sacred Harp singing at Old Harmony Primitive Baptist Church was held on the third Sunday in April. Billy Joe Harris called the class together with 59. Felton Denney offered the morning prayer. Billy Joe Harris led 30t; Felton Denney 31t, 73b; Charlene Wallace 87, 101t, 106; and B.M. Smith 503, 569b, 475.

A business session was held with the following officers elected or appointed: Chairman—Billy Joe Harris; Vice Chairman—B.M. Smith; Secretary—Charlene Wallace; Arranging Committee—Ruth Daniel.

Leaders: Billy Joe Harris 303; Lou Cotney 300, 172, 384; Reba Norton 61, 373; Lonnie Rogers 33b, 75, 225t; Sherrell Cleino 335, 127, 159; Hugh McGraw 124, 319, 93; Stan Edwards and Nickie McCloud 318, 340, 146.

RECESS

The class was called together by B.M. Smith leading 155. Leaders: Jimmie Denney 313t, 276; Jeff Sheppard 288, 332, 299; Nellie Mae White 129, 119; Ruth Daniel 378t, 45t.

The memorial lesson was held with Shelbie Sheppard leading 47b for the following deceased: George Rogers, Wilford Denney, Vivian Rogers, Dossie Warren, Gaines Smith, Nora Chupp, Revy Williamson, and Everette Denney.

Charlene Wallace led 406 in honor of the sick and shut-ins: Evelyn Harris, Pauline Howle, Alice Edwards, Hester Edwards, Gladys McGraw, Reby Stanford, Mozelle Sheppard, I.V. McWhorter, Ruth Brown, Lavaughn Ballinger, Coy Ivey, Donnie McGraw, Nancy Allen, Margie Smith, and Richard DeLong.

Dale Harris, son of Evelyn Harris, read a letter written by his mother who is still in the hospital recovering from surgery. The letter read as follows:

Saturday, April 19, 2003

My dearest friends and loved ones:

You don’t know how much I would like to be with you on Sunday, however, my mind and spirit is with you. I sure hope you have a good singing.

This surgery was not what I had planned on. I had no idea there was cancer in my thyroid. Our illnesses never happen at a convenient time, but I know the Lord knows best. I’m trusting in Him to see me through this and help me get my voice back where I can try to sing Fa Sol La Mi again and most of all be able to talk.

I want to thank everyone for all the beautiful get well cards, prayers, calls of concern, visits, and many acts of kindness. It means the world to me. I love and appreciate you all so very, very much. Please keep me in your prayers.

Love in Christ,

Evelyn Harris

Hugh McGraw closed the memorial with prayer.

LUNCH

B.M. Smith called the afternoon session to order with 270. Leaders: Elder Lewis Norton 418, 30b, 358; Elder Neil Prichard 341, 202, 204; Shelbie Sheppard 167, 141, 139; Celia Sanders 127, 566, 39b; Sherrell Cleino 206, 40.

Announcements were made. Billy Joe Harris and B.M. Smith led 46 as the closing song. Lonnie Rogers led the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Billy Joe Harris; Vice Chairman—B.M. Smith; Secretary—Charlene Wallace.