Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The J.D. Starnes Memorial Sacred Harp singing was held at Mt. Hope Baptist Church on the first Sunday in February. The class was called to order by Travis Keeton leading 75 and 460. The morning prayer was offered by Brother Phillip Starnes.

The class was organized with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Velton Chafin; Vice Chairman—Travis Keeton; Secretary—Ida Lee Starnes; Arranging Committee—Willodean Barton.

Leaders: Velton Chafin 42, 34b; Willodean Barton 101t, 145t; Ida Lee Starnes 39b, 317; Travis Keeton 235; Sara Smith 129, 445; Billy Williams 147t, 28b; Flarce Creel 166, 299; Ivalene Donaldson 33b, 270; Gary Smith 503, 565; Ann Jett 448b, 146.

RECESS

Velton Chafin called the class back to order leading 93. Leaders: Marlin Beasley 40, 285t; Josie Hyde 183, 224; Wilton Donaldson 229, 348b; Ozella Blackmon 297, 172; John Merritt 268, 300, 274t. Brother Phillip Starnes welcomed everyone, spoke briefly, and offered prayer for the noon meal.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Travis Keeton leading 290 and 73t. Leaders: John Hyde 124, 61, 544; Margaret Keeton 475, 78; Brenda Merritt 203, 47b; Edith Tate 35; Harrison Creel 498, 530, 111b; Jimmie Gilmore 378t (for daughter Pam, who is recovering from surgery), 288; Arthur Gilmore 491b (WB), 569 (t? b?); John Merritt 358 (for Kathleen Smith, and in memory of his mother), “Nothing But The Blood”; John Merritt and Brenda Merritt 438; Sara Smith and Marlin Beasley 384 (in memory of their mother), 336 (in memory of their daddy); Gary Smith, Sara Smith, and Marlin Beasley 46; Harrison Creel 342.

Announcements were made. Velton Chafin led 46 as the closing song. Brother Phillip Starnes dismissed the class with prayer.

Chairman—Velton Chafin; Vice Chairman—Travis Keeton; Secretary—Ida Lee Starnes.