Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual meeting of the Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association (SHMHA) was held at Jefferson State Community College on Saturday, November 24, 2007. Approximately 40 members were present. President Jeff Sheppard called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m., and Ed Thacker led the opening prayer. Jeff welcomed the assembly and thanked the members for their support this year. Jeff introduced two new members of the Board, Jeannette DePoy, Corresponding Secretary, and Henry Johnson. David Ivey, Secretary, and Terry Wootten were unable to attend. Jeff recognized the Sacred Harp Publishing Company for their support of Camp Fasola in 2007. They have kindly agreed to double their support in the coming year.

It was announced that this year there will be two camps instead of one to try to accommodate the increasing numbers of interested singers. In 2007, SHMHA had to turn down 30-40 singers. The Adult Camp will begin on Friday, June 27th, at 2:00 p.m., and end on Monday, June 30, at 10:00 a.m. The Adult Camp will have both beginning and advanced rudiments and will include electives, but fewer recreation options. The Youth Camp will begin on Monday, June 30, at 4:00 p.m., and end on Friday, July 4, at 10:00 a.m. The Youth will also be divided into beginning and advanced lessons, and will include the popular recreational activities, such as the zip line and rockslide. Registration will begin in January, 2008.

The Muscadine singing will be held on July 4, immediately after the Youth camp, and will again this year take place at Camp Lee.

This year, Judy Caudle will take over as editor of the Minutes Book and Shelbie Sheppard will serve as advocate. Shelbie recognized Nora Parker, who did the minutes for so many years. She also thanked Joan Aldridge and commended Judy on an exceptional job this year.

The 2007 financial report was given by Henry Johnson. Handouts were 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 institutional and individual contributors. Henry encouraged members to give scholarships to pay for a child to attend camp.

Jeff reminded the members that with postage costs rising, and the cost of the printing of the book going up from $2.01 to $2.21 per book this year, it is probable that the cost of the Minutes Book will increase next year. The cost for camp will remain the same in 2008, with the Youth fee at $110 and the Adult fee at $220. Jeff asked if the members felt the fees were fair, and the consensus was that they were. Jeff suggested that if your singing has any extra money after paying expenses, donating money to the church and paying the Minutes Book fees, that members consider giving some money to SHMHA. Rene Greene was also recognized for donating all the cups, plates and plasticware for camp this year.

Shelbie recognized David McGukin. He has put an ad in the minute book and is going to paint a representation of songs in the Sacred Harp and auction them off with the proceeds going to support SHMHA. He has chosen 137 for his first painting.

There being no further business, President Jeff Sheppard adjourned the meeting at 4:00 p.m. The meeting was dismissed with prayer by Ed Thacker.

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 Singing, 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