Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Mulberry River Convention was held at County Line Church in Jefferson County, Alabama, on Saturday before the first Sunday in September. Velton Chafin called the class to order by leading 32t, followed by the opening prayer offered by Charles Creel.

Leaders: Velton Chafin 30t, 35; Eugene Forbes 39b, 168; Jim Aaron 68b, 503; Scott Kennedy 228, 31t; Emily Burleson 504, 172; Amber Davis 380, 391; Richard Mauldin 84; Bea Carnathan 568, 341; Danny Creel 269, 383; Eimear O’Donovan 455, 472; Velton Chafin 130.

RECESS

Velton Chafin led 222 to bring the class back together. A business session was held with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Velton Chafin; Vice Chairman—Harrison Creel; Secretary—Emily Burleson. The class voted to merge the Mulberry River Convention and the Clear Creek Convention West, to be held on the first Sunday in September. The convention will be held in odd years at County Line Church in Jefferson County, Alabama, and in even years at Johnson Schoolhouse in Fayette County, Alabama. The business session was closed.

Leaders: Velton Chafin 56t; Blake Sisemore 36b (for the Ivey family), 411; Lucy Heidorn 99, 155; Annaliza Cull 448t, 268; Harrison Creel 111b (for Willodean Barton), 498; Faye Donaldson 138t, 40; Ann Jett 146 (in memory of Ray Tate and Charlotte McCarn), 43; Linda Sides 83 (t? b?), 384.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Lucy Heidorn, who read the following names of the sick: Travis Keeton, Bud Oliver, Sammie Oliver, S.T. Reed, Lessie Reed, Lonnie Rogers, Elsie Moon, Betty Wright, Marlin Beasley, Willodean Barton, Dr. Julietta Haynes, Stella Pratt, Leona Haynes, Johnnie Chafin, Josie Hyde, and John Merritt.

She read the following names of the deceased: Marie Ivey, Clarence McCool, Myrtle Wootten, Corine Lacy, Vernelle Forbes Amazon, Helen Langston, Bob Meek, and Lucy Allums. Lucy offered the following words: “We sing in memory of the sick and deceased and will continue singing in their honor. The fervor, fellowship, and love of singing is as strong today as it was years ago, even though the crowds have diminished in places and grown in others. We continue to sing in their honor and for the glory of God”. The class sang 339. Blake Sisemore closed the memorial with prayer.

Leader: Charles Creel 373, 512, 216.

LUNCH

Velton Chafin led 480 to bring the class to order. Leaders: Roma Rice 338, 297; Michelle Cull 76b, 142; Darrell Swarens 208, 200; Yancey Jett 64, 35 (in memory of Annie Creel); Henry Guthery 108t; Henry Guthery, Harrison Creel, and Yancey Jett 342; Eimear O’Donovan and Daire O’Sullivan 58b, 318; Wanda Capps 36b, 144; Blake Sisemore 528; Jim Aaron 163b; Darrell Swarens, Eimear O’Donovan, and Daire O’Sullivan 217; Richard Mauldin 66; Annaliza Cull 82t; Linda Sides 454 (for Willodean Barton).

Announcements were made. Velton Chafin led 521 as the closing song. Charles Creel offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Velton Chafin; Vice Chairman—Harrison Creel; Secretary—Emily Burleson