Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Find in all years, or only checked years:




Or, view 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 or all years.

Song use statistics are also available.

Old Flatwoods Primitive Baptist Church

Nauvoo, Alabama

May 11, 2003

The annual Decoration Day Sacred Harp Singing at Old Flatwoods Primitive Baptist Church was held on Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May.

The class was called to order by Jimmie Gilmore who welcomed everyone and led 36b and 32t. Joshua Keeton led 108t. Arthur Gilmore gave the morning devotion and offered prayer. Joshua Keeton led 30t, 408; Pamela Baker 171 and 293 (for her grandfather, W.G. McGough).

The class organized with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Joshua Keeton; Vice Chairlady—Pamela Baker; Secretary—Jimmie Gilmore; Arranging Committee—Arthur Gilmore; Memorial Committee—Jimmie Gilmore.

Leaders: Ken Tate 37b, 503; Sarah Smith 75, 73t; Clarence McCool 68b, 349; Julietta Haynes 168, 172; Wilton Donaldson 490, 565; Ashley Keeton 475, 454.

RECESS

The class resumed singing with Pamela Baker leading 142. Leaders: Jayne Fulmer 99, 300; Warren Steel 148, 183; John Hyde 297, 566; Travis Keeton and A.A. Malone 112, 203; Cora Sweatt 81t, 72b.

The memorial lesson was led by Elder Garnsey McGough, Jimmie McGough Gilmore, and Pamela Gilmore Baker leading 45t and 235 in memory of: Lavaughn Ballinger, Ethel Harper McGough, Lavada Gilmore, Joe Harper, Martha Harper, Grady Harper, Robert Harper, Wallace Harper, Mack Harper, Tom Harper, Annie Harper, and all singing friends and families who have passed away that loved Sacred Harp music. Garnsey McGough, Jimmie Gilmore, and Pamela Baker led 358 as a request of Patricia Phelps. The memorial was closed. Marlin Beasley offered the blessing on the noon meal.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Joshua Keeton leading 354b and 143. Leaders: Gary Smith 523, 515; Seth Holloway 388, 494; Josie Hyde 84, 405 (in memory of Lavaughn Ballinger); Travis Keeton 179, 496; Alex Baker and Pamela Baker 61, 35; Marlin Beasley 480, 285 (t? b?); Joshua Keeton and Joyce Keeton 59, 34b; Becky Briggs 460 (in honor of Elsie Beasley), 192 (in memory of Ethel McGough); Glenn Keeton 64, 74b; Pamela Baker, Garry Baker, and Alex Baker 137, 389; John Beasley 335, 445; Steve Rutledge 343, 290; Arthur Gilmore 491b (WB).

Announcements were made. Joshua Keeton, Pamela Baker, and Jimmie Gilmore led 62 as the closing song while those who wished took the parting hand. John Beasley offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Everyone has a cordial invitation to come to Old Flatwoods Primitive Baptist Church again next year. All members and friends were especially proud of the appearance of the church, which had been painted and spruced up in time for the Mother’s Day Singing.

Chairman—Joshua Keeton; Vice Chairlady—Pamela Baker; Secretary—Jimmie Gilmore.