Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The tenth annual Higher Ground Singing was called to order by Don Baker and Janet Fraembs leading 312b. Don Bardsley led the gathering in prayer.

The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Co-Chairs—Janet Fraembs and Marlen Rust; Arranging—Berkley Moore; Treasurer—William Shetter; Secretary—Marlen Rust.

Leaders: Marlen Rust 34b; Martha Beverly 171; William Shetter 59; David Rust 515; Victoria Bolles 479; George Pomfret 155; Samuel Sommers 368; Joan Aldridge 523; Shirley Figura 565; Paul Figura 288 (in honor of Pope John Paul II); Donald Bardsley 35; Stephanie Fida 547; Brad Bahler 30b; John Bahler 117; Don Baker 56b; Eloise Clark 524; Bill Beverly 440.

RECESS

The class was called back to order by Berkley Moore leading 229. Leaders: Marlen Rust 66; Janet Fraembs 146; Martha Beverly 377; William Shetter 474; David Rust 475; Victoria Bolles 299; George Pomfret 282; Samuel Sommers 112; Joan Aldridge 228; Shirley Figura 67; Paul Figura 11 (MH); Don Bardsley 120; Stephanie Fida 410t; Brad Bahler 496; John Bahler 128; Don Baker 47b; Eloise Clark 222. Don Bardsley offered blessing for the noon meal.

LUNCH

Janet Fraembs brought the class together with 217. Leaders: Naomi Frick 350; Berkley Moore 332; Bill Beverly 504; Marlen Rust 480; Martha Beverly 376; William Shetter 556; David Rust 528; Victoria Bolles 269; George Pomfret 68b; Samuel Sommers 344; Joan Aldridge 150; Shirley Figura 335; Don Bardsley 268; Paul Figura 46 (MH); Brad Bahler 551; John Bahler 454.

RECESS

Don Baker led 510 to call the class back to order. We then spoke of Joys and Concerns, remembering those who have died in the last year: Ruth White—Illinois and John Hocutt—Alabama.

The sick and shut-ins remembered were Lee Steinmetz, Ivalene Donaldson, Dennis Miller, Jeff Sheppard, and Shelbie Shepard.

Janet Fraembs read of further joys and concerns: for peaceful death for John Paul II; for good health to come; and for remembering Jennifer Pomfret.

Kathy Pickrell wrote that her son has a job! She then stated that her joy is in the music of the Sacred Harp and the blessing of fellowship as we sing together. My concern is that intolerance seems to be becoming more tolerated in our world, perhaps even fashionable; to bring the two together, I believe that as we sing together we set free a spirit of peace and understanding, and in that way, the Sacred Harp may be a greater force for good than we know.

A copy of the Sacred Harp was presented to Jan Buffington of the United Ministry Center, for the library, in thanks for the welcoming hospitality of these 10 years and in anticipating singing in Terre Haute in years ahead.

Leaders: Marlen Rust 373; Eloise Clark 532; Berkley Moore 215; Martha Beverly 430; Bill Beverly 2 (MH), Victoria Bolles 352; George Pomfret 503; Joan Aldridge 276; Paul Figura 16 (MH); Shirley Figura 37b; Eloise Clark 182; Stephanie Fida 64; Marlen Rust 313b; Janet Fraembs 481; William Shetter “Brandt” (by John Bayer); David Rust 442; Samuel Sommers 358; Don Bardsley 163b; Brad Bahler 143; Don Baker 267; John Bahler 114.

After announcements were made, Janet Fraembs led 347 as the closing song. Don Bardsley led the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Co-Chairs—Janet Fraembs and Marlen Rust; Secretary—Marlen Rust.