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.

Tom Harper and Ganus Wakefield Memorial

Old Sardis Church (County Road 17), Near Lynn, Alabama

October 5, 2003

The forty-fifth session of the Memorial Sacred Harp singing at Old Sardis Church, now held as a memorial to Tom Harper and Ganus Wakefield was held on the first Sunday in October. Ganus Wakefield’s name has been added to this memorial at the request of Ila Ingle, daughter of Tom Harper. Ganus Wakefield was one of the organizers of this singing in the late 1950’s or early 1960’s.

The class was called to order by Travis Keeton leading 48t. Harrison Creel offered the morning prayer. Travis Keeton led 44, 43; Steve Miles 59, 234.

The class organized for the day with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Travis Keeton; Vice Chairman—John Hyde; Secretary—Josie Hyde; Arranging Committee—Margaret Keeton and Willodean Barton.

Leaders: Travis Keeton 179; Willodean Barton 63, 274t; Cecil Sanders and Winell Sanders 225t; Stella Pratt 460, 100; David Berry 45t; Larry Wakefield and Julie Poston 317, 569b; Wilton Donaldson 348b, 490; Beth Mobley 385b; John Hyde 73t, 297; Thyra Ballentine 471, 480.

RECESS

John Hyde called the class back leading 124. Leaders: Ivalene Donaldson 61 (in memory of Minnie Farris); Corene White 37b, 216; Edith Tate 294 (by request); Faye Donaldson 270, 284; Harrison Creel 111t, 512; Jeannette Tidwell 120, 222 (in memory of her mother and father); Lisa Geist 394, 546; Alan Barnett 128 (in memory of his grandmother); Gravis Ballinger 36b, 78; Steve Miles, Daniel Miles, Amanda Miles, Leah Miles, and Crystal Grober 388, 143. The pastor of the church welcomed everyone and offered prayer for the noon meal.

LUNCH

John Hyde brought the afternoon session to order leading 566. Leaders: Kermit Adams 220, 99; Ila Ingle 470 (in memory of her mother), 500 (in memory of her father); Larry Ballinger 162, 282; Clarence McCool 68b, 349; Steve Miles and Daniel Miles 373, 454 (in honor of Homer Miles); Margaret Keeton 448b, 213b; Josie Hyde 43, 84; Jeannette Tidwell, Crystal Grober, and Amanda Miles 72b, 163t; Flarce Creel 475.

Travis Keeton and John Hyde led 235 as the closing song. Homer Miles offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Travis Keeton; Vice Chairman—John Hyde; Secretary—Josie Hyde.