Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 30th annual Kentucky State Sacred Harp Singing was called to order by Ron Pen. The singing was held in a different location (this year only). Ron thanked Jim Thobaben, minister at Mt. Zion Church and one of our regular singers, for hosting us. He then gave a brief history of the Appalachian Association of Sacred Harp Singers, and outlined the schedule for the day. The Sacred Harp 1991 Edition and Southern Harmony tunebooks were used throughout the day. Jim Thobaben gave the morning invocation.

Leaders: Ron Pen 73b; Marcy Thobaben 312b; Mary Brinkman 313b; Jillian Lykens 209; Zack Davis 322 (SoH); Sara Birnbaum 228; Randy Webber 164 (SoH); Rob Coulston 178; Ron Pen 128 (for Jim Thobaben); Charles Coulston 551; Darrell Swarens 341 (in memory of Bob Meek); Bob French 39 (t? b?); Bob Sears 354t.

The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairperson and Treasurer—Charles H. Coulston; Organizing Committee—Ron Pen, Raphael Finkel, and Keith MacAdam; Secretary—Mary Brinkman.

RECESS

The class was called back to order by Misti Reagan leading 45t. Leaders: Sharon Hill 504; Nikos Pappas 215; Mary Brinkman 147b; Jillian Lykens 455; Zack Davis 148; Sara Birnbaum 86; Randy Webber 66; Rob Coulston 288; Jessica Miskelly 457; Darrell Swarens 38 (SoH); Charles Coulston 276; Bob French 496; Bob Sears 59; Donna Kwon 47b; Laurel Cornell 223.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Ron Pen. Randy Webber, Darrell Swarens, and Nikos Pappas spoke about Bob Meek, who died in Louisville this past January. Darrell led 268 and Nikos led “Meek.” Bob French spoke about and led 312b for his Aunt Lucille Snedaker and her son, Eddy, both from Ohio, who died in 2010. Ron Pen memorialized George Pickow, husband of Jean Ritchie, who died in 2010 in New York, and Alvina Worsham, who died in 2011 in Kentucky. Ron led 146 for George and 31t for Alvina. The blessing before the noon meal was offered by Jim Thobaben.

LUNCH

Rafi Finkel convened the afternoon session by leading 535. Leaders: Nikos Pappas 149; Ron Pen 524; Mary Brinkman 479; Zack Davis 98; Randy Webber 107; Rob Coulston 183; Darrell Swarens 112; Charles Coulston 299; Marcy Thobaben 16 (SoH); Nikos Pappas 245 (for Bob French); Jim Thobaben 19 (SoH); Laurel Cornell 49t; Michele Cull 147t; Annaliza Cull 448t; Charles Coulston 497; Rafi Finkel “Lansdowne”; Nikos Pappas 254; Marcy Thobaben 481; Ron Pen 236; Mary Brinkman and Darrell Swarens 189; Zack Davis 275 (SoH); Randy Webber 218; Rob Coulston 133; Darrell Swarens and Michele Cull 507; Charles Coulston 350; Bob French 48b; Nikos Pappas 74t (for Jim Thobaben); Laurel Cornell 489; Annaliza Cull 163b.

Rafi Finkel led 267. Those who wished took the parting hand, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Charles H. Coulston; Secretary—Mary Brinkman