Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Sacred Harp singing at Jordan’s Chapel Methodist Church was held on the fourth Sunday in October. The class was called to order by Lonnie Rogers leading 101t. Rodney Ivey led 56t and 47t. Henry Johnson offered the morning prayer. Rodney Ivey led 129.

A business session was held with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Lonnie Rogers; Vice Chairman—Stanley Edwards; Secretary—Mary L. Smith; Arranging Committee—Charlene Wallace; Memorial Committee—Sherry Lovvorn and Henry Johnson.

Leaders: B.M. Smith 225t, 318; Stanley Edwards 378t, 340; Teenie Moody 373, 391; Milton Oliver 321, 314; Sherry Lovvorn 196, 143; Cecil Roberts 81t, 335; Mary L. Smith 141, 313t; George Garner 436; Evelyn Harris 108t, 155.

Rev. Julian Murphy, pastor of the church, welcomed everyone and asked that his wife, who is to have surgery in the coming week, be remembered in prayer. He expressed his gratitude that singers from far and near had come to sing praises unto the Lord, and then offered prayer.

Leaders: Robert Chambless 142, 319; Ruth Daniel 127, 45t; B.J. Harris 503, 303.

RECESS

The class resumed singing with Stanley Edwards leading 37b. Leaders: LaRue Allen 299, 222; Jeff Sheppard 540, 121; Donna Bell 358 (by request), 440; Reba Norton 441, 208; Hugh McGraw 507; Shelbie Sheppard 543; Ed Thacker 517, 492; Floy Wilder 186, 187; Eunice Webb 392, 30b; Henry Johnson 482, 493.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was brought to order by Lonnie Rogers leading 389. Leaders: Charlene Wallace 276, 297; Brittany Lea 63; Betty Wright 499, 97; Oscar McGuire 336, 573.

Sherry Lovvorn and Henry Johnson conducted the memorial lesson. Sherry Lovvorn read the names of the deceased, and Stanley Edwards led159 in their memory. Those remembered were: David Cosper, Louise Haynes, Willie Mae Argo, Mozelle Sheppard, Gladys Simmons, Irene Willoughby, Ronnie Meadows, Walter Gurley, Clarice Reaves Hitchcock, and Alonza Edwards.

Frank Bell Reeves spoke of his grandfather, Frank Bell, who helped organize this singing, and what singing and this church meant to him and his family. Frank Bell Reeves and members of the Bell family led 354b and 274t in memory of the family.

Henry Johnson gave an inspiring talk about remembering the sick and shut-ins and led 515 in their honor. Those remembered were: Laura Williams, Richard Shipman, Lester Shipman, Amanda Denson, Nick Griffin, Louise Holland, Violet Thomason, and Bobby Jackson (who was able to be with us today). Bill Joe Harris closed the memorial with prayer.

Leaders: Richard Ivey 402, 345t; Allison Ivey 168, 200; Eugene Forbes and Mary Frances Forbes 144, 61; Bridgett Hill 99, 384; Carol Chapman 542, 317; Bobby Jackson 47b, 34t; John Plunkett 34b, 485; Karen Ivey 171, 273; David Ivey 472, 461; Judy Chambless 82t, 28t; Rodney Ivey 271 (t? b?), 278t; B.M. Smith 475; Rodney Ivey and Lonnie Rogers 341.

After announcements were made, Lonnie Rogers and Stanley Edwards led 298 as the closing song. Rev. Theron

Williams offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Lonnie Rogers; Vice Chairman—Stanley Edwards; Secretary—Mary L. Smith.