Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Sacred Harp Singing at Edwardsville Baptist Church was held on the first Sunday in April. The class was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Eunice Webb leading 59. Lonnie Rogers offered the morning prayer.

Leaders: Eunice Webb 45t; B.M. Smith 101t, 146 (in memory of Nancy Allen); Pearl Guier 32t, 127; Bud Oliver 274t, 66.

The class was organized with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Stanley Edwards; Vice Chairman—B.M. Smith; Secretary—Hester Edwards; Arranging Committee—Pearl Guier.

Leaders: Stanley Edwards 530, 340; Lela Crowder 441, 283; Lonnie Rogers 141, 91; Charlene Wallace 139, 187; Cecil Roberts 354t, 37b; Jan House 151, 168; Hugh McGraw 37t.

RECESS

The class was called to order by B.M. Smith leading 145t. Leaders: Robert Chambless 452, 68b; Donna Bell 296, 28t; John Plunkett 175, 287; Reba Dell Windom 176b, 448b; Oscar McGuire 276, 573; Susan Rice 343; Henry Guthery III 434, 270; Ruth Daniel 378t, 335; Earlis McGraw 389, 148.

Pearl Guier conducted the memorial lesson. Michael Turner led 45t in memory of those who have passed away in Edwardsville and nearby communities: Louise Allen, Alice Edwards, I.V. McWhorter, Jason Williams, Cody Burrows, Willie Mae Hanvey, Barbara Burgess, and Ledus Owens. Myron House led 41 for the following deceased: Pauline Howle, Terry Simpson, Winfred Iverson, Nancy Allen, Sherri Edwards, Carolyn Huckeba, and Donnie McGraw.

Mary Smith led 383 and 426b for the following sick and shuts: Barbara Hamby, Billy Joe Burgess, Cordia Robinson, Willie Austin, Bessie Austin, Mary Burgess, Myrtle Smith, Shelbie Sheppard, and all military personnel. Bud Oliver closed the memorial with prayer.

Pastor Bobby Garner extended a welcome to everyone, and asked the blessing on the noon meal.

LUNCH

The class resumed singing with Stanley Edwards leading 448t. Leaders: Ed Thacker 52t, 57; Judy Chambless 339, 415; Jerry Creason 569b, 225t; Lois Owen 373, 460; Carlene Griffin 81t, 117; Evelyn Harris 155, 47t; Jeff Sheppard 313t, 288; Reba Norton 177, 496; Lou Cotney 222, 218; Michael Turner 358, 294; Margaret Thacker 480, 303; Ann Simpson 445, 323b; Floy Wilder 214, 186; Myron House 375, 487; Myron House and Jan House 200; the class 189 (for Percy Owen, whose father was chairman of this singing for years); Robert Chambless and Stanley Edwards 503 (for B.J. Harris, who has been seriously ill, but able to attend today).

After announcements were made, Stanley Edwards led 108t as the closing song. Cecil Roberts dismissed the class with prayer.

Chairman—Stanley Edwards; Vice Chairman—B.M. Smith; Secretary—Hester Edwards.