Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The first Goodshaw Sacred Harp Day was held at Goodshaw Baptist Church, in the United Kingdom, on Saturday before the second Sunday in May. Judy Whiting began the day by leading 34b. Harry Sidebottom welcomed singers to the church, and offered an opening prayer. Chris Brown led 35.

The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Judy Whiting; Secretary—Chris Brown.

Aldo Ceresa conducted a singing school in which he led 209, 218, 564, 436, and 297.

RECESS

Chris Brown called the class back together by leading 82t. Leaders: Helen Brown 32t; Aldo Ceresa 142; Hannah Land 84; Michael Walker 77t; Sarah West 370; Richard Percival 168; Sally Greaves-Lord 29t; Ted Brown 445; Judy Whiting and Harry Cowking 503; Chris Brown 510; Hannah Land 480; Aldo Ceresa 517. Harry Cowking gave thanks for the noon meal.

LUNCH

Helen Brown called the class back to order leading 270. Leaders: Michael Walker 138b; Sarah West 432; Ted Brown 290; Sally Greaves-Lord 284; Richard Percival 31t; Judy Whiting 150; Chris Brown 68t; Hannah Land 384; Aldo Ceresa 387; Helen Brown 365; Sarah West 89.

Michael Walker conducted the memorial lesson and read the names of the following deceased: Marie Holloway—Maryland, USA; Ann Cunnyngham—Kent; Audrey Nathan; Jim Clay—Shropshire; and John Hine—Wath-upon-Dearne.

He also spoke for the following sick and housebound: Carolyn Thompson, John Hopkinson, David Daykin, Leo McGuigan, Kathy Armstrong, Betty Hine, David George, Cherry Shaw, and Kate Howard. He led 103, and offered prayer.

Leaders: Ted Brown 97; Sally Greaves-Lord 481; Richard Percival 313b; Judy Whiting 72b; Hannah Land 278t.

RECESS

Michael Walker called the class to order leading 322. Leaders: Helen Brown 422; Aldo Ceresa 232; Sarah West, Rachel Evans, and Jon Egglestone 159; Ted Brown 339; Sally Greaves-Lord 441; Richard Percival 273; Hannah Land 228; Judy Whiting 460; Chris Brown 457; Michael Walker 499; Aldo Ceresa 215; Helen Brown 37b; Sarah West 80t; Ted Brown 81t; Sally Greaves-Lord 36b; Hannah Land 145t; Richard Percival 448t.

There was a short business meeting during which it was agreed that this was a suitable venue for future singings and that it should be placed on the calendar.

Judy Whiting and Chris Brown led 323t. Ted Brown offered a closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

After the close a group of singers visited the Goodshaw Baptist Old Chapel, which was founded 250 years ago in 1760, and, sitting in the square singers’ pew, sang 28t, 28b, 29b, 30b, 112, 113, 150, 186, 225t, 268, 501, 540, and 569b.

Chairman—Judy Whiting; Secretary—Chris Brown