Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 13th annual session of the Rotunda Singing was held on Saturday before the first Sunday in February at the Alabama State Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama. Four song books were used: The Sacred Harp, 1991 edition; Colored Sacred Harp; The B.F. White Sacred Harp, Cooper Edition; and the Christian Harmony.

The class was called to order by Bill Hogan who led 36b and welcomed everyone. Joey Brackner gave introductory remarks and introduced Ed Bridges, Director of the Archives, who spoke briefly. Joey Brackner, Steve Grauberger, Deborah Boykin, Anne Kimzey, and Jackie Ely represented the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Bill Hogan led 32t, and Jim Carnes offered the opening prayer.

The following officers were appointed to serve: Chairman—Bill Hogan, Vice Chairmen—Jim Carnes and Joey Brackner, Secretary—Linda Thomas.

The first session of singing was from the Sacred Harp, 1991 Edition, and Elene Stovall served as arranging committee. Leaders: Richard Mauldin 358; Reba Windom 192 (for Pam Nunn); Robert Chambless 84; Bea Carnathan 438; Jim Aaron 503; Judy Chambless 129; Audrie Blakeley and J.T. Blakeley 354b; Douglas Conn 430; and Sarah Smith 340.

The second session of singing was from the Colored Sacred Harp. Leaders: Bill Hogan 4; Ken Sundberg 20; Steve Grauberger 18; Mary Whitehurst 12; Stanley Smith 24; Karen Clark 19; Stanley Smith 87b; Bill Hogan and Nancy Hogan “Lord Give Me Just a Little More Time” (for Bernice Harvey).

RECESS

The third session of singing was from the B.F. White Sacred Harp, Cooper Edition. The class was called to order by Mary Whitehurst and Nancy Hogan leading 559 (for Jeff and Shelbie Sheppard). Leaders: Frank Strickland 101t; Tommie Spurlock 99; Victoria Aplin 421; Robert Chambless 72; Lacey Blakeley 68t; Regina Grayson 270; Alice Sundberg 429; Bill Aplin and Victoria Aplin 567; Ken Sundberg 297; Karen Clark 96; Waylon Blakeley and Chita Blakeley 85.

The fourth session of singing was from the Christian Harmony. Tim Cook led 38 and served as the arranging committee. Leaders: Billy Thompson 91; Karen Clark 264; Louise Crunk 248; Luke Daniel 287; Mako Cook 30b; Bill Hogan 172 (for Ruth Wyers); Robert Dupree 293; Gary Smith 281b; Nancy Hogan 214. Richard Mauldin offered the blessing for the noon meal.

LUNCH

The class was called to order by Jim Carnes leading 209. Elene Stovall led 216, and served as arranging committee as the session was sung from the Sacred Harp, 1991 Edition. Leaders: Eugene Forbes 189; Stormy Britton 490; Jonathan Blakeley 309; Linda Thomas 131b; Gavin Blakeley 67; Ann Webb 282; Chita Blakeley 142; Jack Nelson 318.

The second afternoon session, from the Christian Harmony, was called to order by Tim Cook leading 184. Leaders: David Daniel 109; Sarah Smith 322; Gavin Blakeley 174t; Stanley Smith 19, 64; Bea Carnathan 131; Ken Sundberg 255; Herbert Buchanan 179; Mary Whitehurst 189; Tim Cook 117.

The third afternoon session was held from the B.F. White Sacred Harp, Cooper Edition. Leaders: Tommie Spurlock 497, 217; Stanley Smith 140; Stormy Britton 186; Regina Grayson 38t; Jack Nelson 229; Stanley Smith and Ermon Richmond 464, 406; Douglas Conn 511t; Stanley Smith and Regina Grayson 156 (for Emmie Lou Grayson); Joey Brackner 361; Steve Grauberger 399.

After announcements, Bill Hogan and Joey Brackner led 323t as the closing song. The closing prayer was offered by Elder Jonathan Blakeley.

Chairman—Bill Hogan; Vice Chairmen—Jim Carnes and Joey Brackner; Secretary—Linda Thomas