Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 164th annual session of the Elmore Center Sacred Harp Singing was held at Elmore Center United Methodist Church near Gordo, Alabama, on Wednesday before the third Sunday in August. The class was called to order by Clarence McCool leading 36b. The morning prayer was offered by Pastor Nancy Cole.

The class voted to retain the following officers: Chairman—Clarence McCool; Vice Chairman—Jack Pate; Arranging Committee—Wayne Baines; Secretary—Lena Keeton.

Leaders: Clarence McCool 101t; Travis Keeton 127, 64, 129; Gwen Cornelius 30t, 490, 480; Wendell Rinehart 31t, 47b, 445; Faye Donaldson 124, 176b, 225t; Jack Pate 535, 341; Lena Keeton 274t, 276, 498; Robert DuPree 87, 384, 569b.

RECESS

The class was called back to order by Wayne Baines leading 45t, 89, and 155. Leaders: Ruth Wyers 206, 204, 138b; Hugh Bill McGuire 138t, 300, 278b; John Van Horn 40, 68b, 523; Margaret Keeton 59, 63, 77t.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Clarence McCool leading 85. Leaders: Velton Chafin 410t, 410b, 100; Rachel Richards 317, 235, 282; Billy Williams 448b, 143; Ruth Wyers 318; Robert DuPree 178; Lena Keeton 294 (by request); Wendell Rinehart 72b; Margaret Keeton 81t (by request); Jack Pate 49b; Travis Keeton 343; Hugh Bill McGuire 345b; John Van Horn 373; Rachel Richards 358; Velton Chafin 77b (for Billy Williams); Wayne Baines 571 (CB) (for Rachel Richards), 535 (for Jewel McCool), 310 (for Josie Hyde).

Following announcements, Clarence McCool led 503 as the closing song. The closing prayer was offered by Hugh Bill McGuire, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Clarence McCool; Vice Chairman—Jack Pate; Secretary—Lena Keeton