Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Columbia Singing was held at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Missouri on Saturday before the third Sunday in October. Lou Kujawinski called the class to order leading 47 (t? b?), followed by prayer.

The class was organized with the election or appointment of the following officers: Chairman—Lou Kujawinski; Secretary—Cindy Stone; Treasurer—Becky Ashbaugh; Arranging Committee—Penny Kujawinski; Memorial Committee—Susan Green and Cherry Hinderberger; Chaplains—Kathy Schubert and Cherry Hinderberger.

Leaders: Wendy Hofmann 148; Anne Missavage 373; Becky Ashbaugh and Penny Kujawinski 274 (t? b?); Cindy Stone 40; Kathy Schubert and Penny Kujawinski 535; Susan Green 350; Paul Figura 46 (MH); Presley Barker 54 (MH); Dan Brittain 22 (MH); Dave Ressler 142; Karen Isbell 34 (MH); Becky Browne 36b; Gary Gronau 171; Wendy Hofmann 56b.

Karen Isbell spoke about how plans are underway to publish the Missouri Harmony in hard back with Dan Brittain assisting in the project by resetting some of the songs.

RECESS

Cindy Stone called the class back to order leading song on page 143. Leaders: Emily Gruber 215; Shirley Figura 68b; Lila Leland 31t; Susan Green 474; Paul Figura 146; Presley Barker 16 (MH); Dan Brittain 419; Dave Ressler 183; Karen Isbell 200; Becky Browne 179; Gary Gronau 283; Penny Kujawinski 472; Emily Gruber 86; Shirley Figura 49b; Wendy Hofmann 430; Dave Ressler 189. Kathy Schubert offered prayer for the noon meal.

LUNCH

Lou Kujawinski called the class back to order leading 34b. Leaders: Becky Browne 222; Gary Gronau 300; Karen Isbell 270; Dan Brittain 193; Susan Green 35; Dave Ressler 83t; Paul Figura 23 (MH); Emily Gruber 26 (MH); Wendy Hofmann 481; Penny Kujawinski 542.

Cherry Hinderberger conducted the memorial lesson and began by noting that many of us have friends and relatives who have passed on who may have really inspired us to sing. One such person was her grandmother. Susan Green led songs 128 and 56b for the deceased: Ruth Brown, Lamar Smith, and Leola Smith—Alabama; Everette Denney—Georgia; Virginia Bloom and Ray Bloom of Missouri.

Gary Gronau spoke about the great loss to the singing community represented by the passing of such people as Ruth Brown, who has done so much to spread and foster this singing tradition in the north and mid-west.

Susan Green read the list of sick and shut-ins and a passage of scripture from Hebrews 2:16-18. She reminded us of how we need to remind ourselves that many people live day in and out with pain and suffering, some of whom we even sing with, and yet we are not always aware of their suffering. Those remembered were: Mr. McGowan—Missouri; Doris Carter and Annie Grieshop—Iowa. Susan Green closed the memorial lesson with prayer.

Presley Barker led 39t.

RECESS

Wendy Hofmann and Khala Ashbaugh called the class back to order leading 70 (t? b?). Leaders: Shirley Figura 28b; Dan Brittain 399b; Dave Ressler 40 (MH); Becky Browne 20 (MH); Karen Isbell 11 (MH); Paul Figura 268; Emily Gruber 442; Susan Green 391; Presley Barker 497; Gary Gronau 496; Dave Ressler 178.

Lou Kujawinski thanked everyone for their attendance, especially those having to travel a distance; those who prepared the food; and Wendy Hofmann, Dave Ressler, and Dan Brittain for sharing in the pitching of songs.

Announcements were made. Lou Kujawinski led 347 as the closing song, and those who wished took the parting hand. Cherry Hinderberger offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Lou Kujawinski; Secretary—Cindy Stone.