Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The seventy-seventh session of the Reid Memorial was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Chairman M. H. Creel leading song on page 45t. Prayer was offered by Gordon Wilkerson. M. H. Creel led song on page 317. This singing is permanently organized until the Creel family sees fit to make changes. Leaders: Henry Guthery 283, 316; Coy Ivey 546; Clayton Ezell 269; Jan Ketelle 108t; S. T. Reed 176 (t? b?); Leola Smith 87; Tommy Spurlock 565; Mae Conwill 216; Billy Williams 297; Paula Springfield 408; Stuart Ivey 300; John Hocutt 492; Valerie Gillespie 405; Joan Aldridge 454; Linton Ballinger 299; Jo Dell Albi 101t; Chris Bell 358; Keterina Sanders 290; Aubrey Barfield 480; Margaret Spurlock 212; Richard Ivey 270; Lena Wakefield 498.

RECESS

Hadyn Creel brought the class back to order leading songs on pages 85 and 388. Leaders: Henry Johnson 338; Pernie Pelfrey 371; Tyler Wilks 128; Travis Keeton 324; Becky Browne 110; Bud Oliver 42; Clarissa Springfield 343; John Seaton 47t; Willodean Barton 391; Larry Ballinger 151; Ozella Blackmon 192.

RECESS

Gravis Ballinger brought the class to order leading song on page 34b. Leaders: Mae Seymour 434; Floyd Screws 112; Melanie Hauff 319; Allison Ivey 298; Cassie Franklin 411; Elmer Conwill 296.

Cindy Franklin led song on page 37b as the call to the memorial given by Lucy Heidorn. A quote from Ulysses states, “I am a part of all that I have met.” But we can add that we are a part of many whom we have not met. I never knew my Reid great-grandparents, but I am a part of them through heritage. This singing each year is a memorial to them, James Harris Reid and Margaret Jane Yarborough Reid; and their children, Emory Reid, Annie Reid Creel, Mattie Reid Creel, and in honor of Mamie Reid Creel, age 95. The three Reid sisters married three Creel men so the Reid family and the Creel family became inseparably entwined. The present day Creel family members are their decendants and relatives. Since the singing last year, three members of the Creel family have died. Irvin Creel—-Great Uncle Irvin, a soft-spoken man, lived into his nineties. Dillie Creel Harris—-Great Aunt Dillie, blessed with a sweet smile, lived into her eighties. Tommy Creel—-my cousin, seemingly too young to die, only lived into his forties. He loved family and enjoyed coming to this place. We are sad that they are no longer with us in this earthly life, but we can keep them in the secret places of our hearts and remember them whenever we wish. Our consolation comes from the words in Ecclesiastes 12:7. “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” Lucy Heidorn led song on page 345t, and concluded with prayer. Heavenly Father, We thank you for allowing us to know and love Uncle Irvin, Aunt Dillie, and Tommy. Grant us peace as we honor their memories. And now let all the people say, “Amen”. Leaders: Marcia Johnson 282; Hubert Nall 159; David Ivey 470.

LUNCH

Cindy Franklin brought the class to order leading song on page 327. Leaders: Sherry Guthery 340; Lucy Heidorn, Jerry Ryan, and mother, Marie Aldridge 145t; Margaret Keeton 365; Thurman Nall 491; Jewel Wootten 503; Jeanette Lowry 369; Milton Oliver 318; Yancy Jett 44; Willie Mae Moon 475; Buell Cobb 321; Julianna Jett 146; Gordon Wilkerson 380; Josie Hyde 507; Joan Wilks 29t; Velton Chafin 355; Lora Cargo 84; Earl Ballinger 203; Charlotte McCarn 143; Gene Wakefield 168; Richard DeLong 224; Gertrude Wood 137.

RECESS

Chairman Harrison Creel called the class to order leading song on page 111b. Leaders: Ted Mercer 302; Freeman Wootten 418; Rex Wilks and Karen Ivey 424; Johnny Humber 275b; Pauline Childers 234; Elvin Guthrie 218; Marie Aldridge 88t; Ann Jett and Wanda Capps 166b; Eloise Avery 35; David Brannon 119; Kermit Adams 220; Tim Whitaker 100; Marshall Avery 108b; Amber Springfield 58; Gladys Bonds 499b. After announcements, Chairman Harrison Creel led 378b for the closing song. The class was dismissed with prayer by G. C. Bromley.

Chairman—M. H. Creel; Vice Chairman—Kathleen Robbins; Secretary—Marie Aldridge.