Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

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Warrior River - Clear Creek Convention

Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church, Oneonta, Alabama

Saturday, August 2, 2003

The one hundred twenty-ninth session of the Warrior River Convention and the one hundred-fourth session of the Clear Creek Convention were held at Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church in Oneonta, Alabama on Saturday before the first Sunday in August. Elder Philip Gilmore brought the class to order at 9:45 a.m. leading 33b and 32t. Bob Watkins offered the morning prayer.

Leaders: Philip Gilmore 30t; Terry Hullett 64, 48t; Jewel Wootten 68b, 75; Douglas Conn 61, 35; Willie Mae Moon 89, 225t; Carmon Brothers 58, 59; Herby Bailey 47t, 489; Deborah Ritch 108 (t? b?), 168; Milton Oliver 176t, 176b; S.T. Reed 388, 421; Robert Walker 143, 452.

RECESS

The singing resumed with Philip Gilmore leading 36b.

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—Beecher Yancey; Secretary—Jewel Wootten; Arranging Committee—Terry Hullett; Memorial Committee—Linda Thomas and Elder Philip Gilmore; Finance Committee—Carmon Brothers and Douglas Conn; Resolutions Committee—Judy Caudle. The business session was closed.

Leaders: Philip Gilmore 129; Bud Oliver 39b, 39t; Beecher Yancey 569 (t? b?), 565; Margaret Thacker 235, 503; Sarah Smith 72b, 73t; Judy Caudle 155, 177; Ed Thacker 530, 418; Gary Smith 523, 31t.

LUNCH

Elder Philip Gilmore brought the afternoon session to order leading 30b and 270. Leaders: Betty Wright 323b, 49b; Eloise Wootten 111t, 299; Bob Watkins 34t, 47b; Marlon Wootten 146.

Elder Philip Gilmore and Linda Thomas conducted the memorial lesson and led 445 and 67 for the deceased and for the sick and shut-ins. The deceased remembered were: Leola Green Smith, Ruth Brown, Lamar Smith, Zelma Harcrow, Alvin Hill, B.E. Matthews, Clark Phillips, Arie Epperson Brown, Lavaughn Ballinger, Alpha Black, Kenneth Conn, and Johnny Smith.

The sick and shut-ins remembered were: Eldora Green Moody, Bill Green, Beufa Green, Martha Woodard, Jap Walton, Joyce Walton, Evelyn Harris, Betty Shepherd, Lillie Lybrand, Ella Lee Robertson, and Elsie Beasley. The memorial lesson was closed.

Elder Philip Gilmore led 317 in memory of Roie Alexander and 270 for Paula Gilmore.

A business session was held for the purpose of hearing reports from various committees.

Judy Caudle gave the Resolutions Committee report. Be it resolved that we, the members of the 129th session of the Warrior River Convention and the 104th session of the Clear Creek Convention, wish to express our thanks to:

  • God, our Creator who is the fount of many blessings;
  • Our forebearers and our men and women who have and are now serving to safeguard and preserve our freedom. We wish to express our heart-felt thanks for being able to meet and sing without persecution;
  • Those who have written these old tunes, words, and music which stir our hearts and minds to praise our Lord and Savior;
  • All those at Hopewell Church for their sweet fellowship and warm hospitality;
  • Our officers for carrying out their duties;
  • The singers for their support and love. We pray God will continue to bless us all.

The Finance Committee reported a balance of $42.45. A collection was taken in the amount of $170.00. A total of $30.00 was taken for the minutes, and the balance of $182.45 was given to Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church.

This will be the last session of the Warrior River—Clear Creek Convention. After much consideration, conferring, and prayer, the members voted to discontinue this singing. We are very saddened because our forefathers sacrificed everything to maintain a great convention that expressed the love they found in the tradition and sacred songs. But, with the decline in interest and attendance, we felt we had no other choice. Many thanks go to our dear friends who have supported us with love, attendance, food, and prayer. May we go forward in His love and guidance and pray this great heritage will never be lost.

Elder Philip Gilmore led 62 as the closing song, and all who wished took the parting hand. Marlon Wootten offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Elder Philip Gilmore; Vice Chairman—Beecher Yancey; Secretary—Jewel Wootten.