Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The one hundred-seventh session of the Cleburne County Sacred Harp Singing Convention met at Cane Creek Primitive Baptist Church near Heflin, Alabama on the third Sunday in August, and was called to order by the Vice Chairman, Walter Hamrick, leading songs on pages 45t and 59. The morning prayer was led by Billy Joe Harris. The Introductory Lesson was led by Harvey Austin from a book given to the Convention in memory of the late J. W. Laminack. Songs used were 101t and 108t. The business session was held, and the following officers were elected: Chairman—Harvey Austin; Vice Chairman—Billy Joe Harris; Secretary and Memorial Committee—Mary Florence Smith; Arranging Committee—Hester Edwards; Chaplain—Lewis Norton. Leaders: Billy Joe Harris 503b, 452b; Mary Florence Smith 37b, 85; Milton Oliver 100, 111t; Evelyn Harris 155, 47t; Alice Edwards 73b, 104; I. V. McWhorter 72b, 159; Roy Nelson 153, 176t; Nellie Mae White 145b, 87.

RECESS

The singing resumed with Chairman Harvey Austin leading song on page 335. Leaders: John Plunkett 209, 300; Ruth Daniel 378t, 40; Karen Reeves and Reba Norton 323 (t? b?), 61, 358; Lamar Smith 76b, 343b for Barrett Ashley; Revy Williamson 63, 77t; Bud Oliver 30t, 39b. The memorial lesson was presented by Mary Florence Smith, and the names presented were: Allen Arnett, Hazel Cagle, Ola Pruitt, and Myrtle Davidson. The family of Hazel Cagle was especially remembered, and many singers were attending her funeral on this day. Also, Ola Pruitt was remembered for all the many years she was a supporter and secretary for this convention. Bud Oliver led songs on pages 403 and 288 for the deceased. Evelyn Harris led songs on pages 490 and 340 to remember the sick and shut-ins. The memorial was closed with prayer by Mary Florence Smith.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Billy Joe Harris leading songs on pages 225t and 445b. Leaders: Milton Oliver 321, 222; Lou Cotney 268, 189, 218, 212; Lewis Norton 318, 34t, 569b; Louise Holland 63, 49b. The convention was opened for a business session for the purpose of a location for the convention for another year. No one asked for the convention, so the convention will meet at Cane Creek Church again in August, 1997. The business session was closed. Leaders: Luke Allen 277; Brenda Harris 146; Evelyn Harris and Haley Webb 45t; Corine Laminack and Julia Brown 334, 339, 452b; Ruth Brown, Hester Edwards, and Alice Edwards 143 for Pearl Guier; Louise Allen 119, 147t; Shelton Williamson 299. After announcements were made, Harvey Austin and Billy Joe Harris led song on page 46 for the closing song, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Lewis Norton.

Chairman—Harvey Austin; Vice Chairman—Billy Joe Harris; Secretary—Mary Lambert Smith.