Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual meeting of the Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association (SHMHA) was held at Mount Pleasant Home Primitive Baptist Church on Saturday, November 26th. Approximately 50 members were present.

President Jeff Sheppard called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m., welcomed the assembly, and thanked the members for their support this past year.

Secretary David Ivey provided the following report to the assembly.

The Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association was delegated the responsibility for the publication, printing, and distribution of the Directory and Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings by the Alabama State Sacred Harp Convention in 1999. Approximately 3,000 copies were distributed in 2005. The “Historical Memorial” section, which lists the names of deceased singers, places of burial, and their dates of birth and death, will continue to be included in the 2006 book. We encourage you to submit this information for deceased singers who are not presently included. This information will be printed in a separate publication in the future. Joan Aldridge, Judy Caudle, and Elene Stovall were recognized for their support of Shelbie Sheppard, General Secretary of the Directory and Minutes publication.

The secretaries of singings and conventions were thanked for their work in recording minutes and submitting them on time. It was requested that minutes be submitted electronically when at all possible.

It was announced that the fourth annual Camp Fasola will be held at Camp Lee in 2006 on July 3rd—July 7th. For more information, http://fasola.org/camp

Thanks were expressed to the organizations and individuals who have made contributions in support of SHMHA and Camp Fasola over the past five years: Alabama State Council on the Arts; the Joe Beasley Memorial Foundation; the Sacred Harp Publishing Company; memorial gifts; and donations from many individuals. Jerry Enright and Karen Freund contributed a portion of the proceeds from the 1972 New Year’s Eve at the Iveys CD to SHMHA.

The 2005 financial report was presented with handouts provided to all members present. All receipts and expenses were itemized. An overview of the financial status of SHMHA was presented. The report recognized contributors and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Several members made positive and encouraging remarks about the activities and projects of SHMHA.

President Jeff Sheppard made concluding remarks and adjourned the meeting. The meeting was dismissed with prayer by Richard Mauldin.

SHMHA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated in Alabama, whose purpose is the perpetuation and preservation of Sacred Harp singing and its traditions. SHMHA’s interests include singing schools, singings/conventions, traditional singing practices, and the history and traditions of Sacred Harp.

We encourage you to help SHMHA with your time, talents, and financial support. All contributions are tax deductible. Without your support, SHMHA projects would not be possible.

President—Jeff Sheppard; Secretary—David Ivey.