Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The ninety-first session of the Mulberry River Sacred Harp Singing Convention met at Liberty Church (McCormick) on Saturday before the first Sunday in September, and was called to order by Chairman Velton Chafin leading song on page 49t. The morning prayer was led by Elder Ronald Gilmore. Velton Chafin led song on page 32t. The class entered into a business session, and elected or appointed the following officers: Chairman—Velton Chafin; Vice Chairman—Travis Keeton; Secretary—Edith Tate; Arranging Committee—Willodean Barton; Memorial Committee—Lucy Heidorn and Eldagene Roberson. Velton Chafin led song on page 35. Leaders: Gertrude Wood 37b, 137; David Roberson 146, 274t; Corene White 379, 403; Samuel Sommers 112, 113, 426b; Ila Ingle 436, 434, 441; L. H. Gilmore 34t, 48t, 73t; Pernie Pelfrey 73b, 371, 399b; Odie Horton 378t, 97, 135.

RECESS

Velton Chafin reassembled the class leading song on page 437b. Leaders: Tom Harper 300, 384, 392, 498; Tressie Adkins 222, 78, 422; Charles Kitchens 90, 205, 179; Velton Chafin 475.

RECESS

Velton Chafin called the class together leading song on page 75. A memorial lesson was held at this time. Lucy Heidorn spoke to the class about death being one of life’s most difficult experiences. We do not understand it, and as humans, we fear things we do not understand. We live by faith that we will reach Heaven, but no one can tell us what it will be like for no one has been there, and come back to tell us of its beauty. However, the scriptures give us the assurance that though death is the end of physical life, it is the beginning of spiritual life eternal. Lucy read Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2, Hebrews 9: 27-28, and asked the class to quote John 3:16 in unison. Our deceased loved ones are: Aver Crider, Tom Roberson, Elder Clydus Moon, Agnes Hocutt, Irvin Creel, Tommy Creel, Hazel Cagle, Ervin Brothers, Lucille Brothers, Pat Shaddix, Guy Parker, Ed Latham, Otis Nall, Bebuel Barton, Jewel O’Rear, Fred Berry, Ester Reed, and Otto McCoy. Leaders for the memorial were Willodean Barton leading song on page 348b, and Harrison Creel leading song on page 378b. Lucy Heidorn led song on page 124 for the following shut-ins: Ruby Phillips, Virgil Phillips, Hadyn Creel, Lucille Talbert, Mamie Creel, Mae Seymour, Lola Roberson, L. E. Hannah, Bernard Moon, Sara Black, Furn Kitchens, Mary Gardner, Bob Fannin, Ora Lee Fannin, Ruth Aaron, Emily Jones, and Oscar Jones. The memorial lesson was closed with prayer by Ronald Gilmore.

LUNCH

Charles Kitchens asked the blessing for the food, and after lunch the class was reassembled by Travis Keeton leading songs on pages 297, 288, and 388. Leaders: Eron White 408, 273; Milton Oliver 206, 208; Eldagene Roberson 354b, 215; Ronald Gilmore and Hazel Gilmore 349, 383, 376; Ester Brown 391, 88t; John Hocutt 270, 66; Mae Conwill 159, 74b, 500; Harrison Creel 30t, 111b; Flarce Creel 299, 314; Elmer Conwill 298, 296; Marie Aldridge 217; Thurman Nall 569 (t? b?), 503; Barbara Swetman 313 (t? b?), 106; Cassandra Franklin 47b, 107; Buddy Tyndal 426t, 448t; Lucy Heidorn 40, 155; Cynthia Franklin 285t, 499b, 34b; Edith Tate 89; Willodean Barton 454. After announcements were made, L. H. Gilmore dismissed the class with prayer.

Chairman—Velton Chafin; Vice Chairman—Travis Keeton; Secretary—Edith Tate.