Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 101st session of the annual Sacred Harp singing was held at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Natural Bridge, Alabama, on the third Sunday in June. The class was called to order by Travis Keeton leading 37b. The opening prayer was offered by Leon Ballinger. Travis Keeton led 421.

The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Travis Keeton; Vice Chairman—Larry Ballinger; Secretary—Debbie Hall; Arranging Committee—Faye Donaldson and Josie Hyde.

Leaders: Larry Ballinger 139; Debbie Hall 426b, 546; Seth Poston 275b, 274t; Leona Haynes 277, 318; Kermit Adams 290, 89; Hal Eisen 29b, 70b; Linton Ballinger 35, 36b; Stella Pratt 39b, 61; Matthew Cook 111b, 112; Joyce Hubbert 163t, 212; Sarah Smith 384, 385b.

RECESS

The class was called together by Larry Ballinger leading 98. Leaders: Gravis Ballinger 110, 91; Sandie Scott 424, 111t; Caleb Dillehay 99, 440; Richard Schmeidler 287, 155; Cathryn Bearov 114, 368; Anita Landess 32 (t? b?), 297; Chris Ballinger 270, 271t; Leon Ballinger 268, 269; Wayne Wakefield, Wendell Wakefield, Larry Wakefield, Nadine Willis, Julie Poston, Clara Stults, Faye Donaldson, and Betty Baccus sang in memory of their parents and other family members.

LUNCH

Travis Keeton brought the afternoon session to order by leading 129. Leaders: Lisa Geist 472, 528; Steve Adams 309, 101t; Marilyn Burchett 128, 312b; Earl Ballinger 81t; Margaret Keeton 215; Lena Keeton 425, 475; Steve Miles 234, 235; Seth Holloway 347, 388; Jeanette Tidwell 378t, 157; Josie Hyde 442, 477; Betty Baccus and Cathryn Bearov 390 (for Don Keeton); Larry Wakefield 569b; Wendell Wakefield 168, 108b. The class sang birthday wishes to Odie Horton, who is 90 years old. Leaders: Faye Donaldson and Logan Donaldson 59; Richard Schmeidler 254.

Travis Keeton and Larry Ballinger led 46 as the closing song. Earl Ballinger offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Travis Keeton; Vice Chairman—Larry Ballinger; Secretary—Debbie Hall