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 25th. 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 fourth Camp Fasola was held at Camp Lee near Anniston, Alabama, on July 3-7, 2006. More than 150 people participated and benefited from this camp, including fifty-five youth. Thirty-six classes were taught, thirty-two sessions of recreation were enjoyed, eleven meals were taken, and four singing sessions were held. For the first time, a day (Wednesday) was set aside as “Youth Day.” The budget of approximately $27,000 was met through the following: fees from campers; grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Sacred Harp Publishing Company; scholarships from individuals and the Beasley Foundation, and individual contributions to SHMHA. The teachers and counselors were thanked for their contributions, without which the camp would not be possible.

It was announced that the fifth annual Camp Fasola will be held at Camp Lee in 2007 on July 2-6. For more information, contact David Ivey at http://fasola.org/camp

SHMHA received a grant from the Dixon Foundation that enabled its support of the production phase of Matt and Erica Hinton’s film, “Awake, My Soul.” Max Berueffy and Matt Hinton were recognized for their support of the proposal to the Dixon Foundation.

It was announced that SHMHA is in the process of establishing an endowment fund. This fund, which will have use restrictions, will be an appropriate option for designation of contributions from estates or living trusts.

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 2006. Shelbie Sheppard, General Secretary of the Directory and Minutes publication, announced that she will be delegating more duties in assembly of the minutes in 2007 to Judy Caudle and Joan Aldridge, both of whom have provided support over the previous two years. Shelbie Sheppard was thanked for her excellent work as editor of the minutes. Chris Thorman and Carolyn Deacy were recognized for their important support in the production and printing of the minutes book.

The 2006 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 also recognized individual and institutional contributors.

President Jeff Sheppard made concluding remarks and adjourned the meeting at 4:00 p.m. The meeting was dismissed with prayer by Matt Hinton.

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 publishes the Directory and Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings, operates Camp Fasola, sponsors the fasola.org website, and supports other activities related to the history and traditions of Sacred Harp singing.

President—Jeff Sheppard; Secretary—David Ivey.