Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 85th session of the annual Chestnut Grove Sacred Harp singing was held on the second Sunday in October. Loretta Smith called the class to order at 10:00 a.m. leading 37b. Billy Thompson offered the morning prayer.

Leaders: Loretta Smith 39t; David Killingsworth 120, 235; Tom George 459, 435; Cindy Tanner 297, 276; Billy Thompson and Rodney Ivey 76b, 448b; Jonathon Smith 74b, 30b; Susan Cherones 40, 107; Nathan Rees 44, 217; Ed Thacker 284, 182; Kelsey Sunderland 82t, 403; Jackie Tanner 89, 73t; Dennis George 86, 375; Marty Wootten 166, 123t.

The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Loretta Smith; Secretary—Amy Smith.

RECESS

Loretta Smith and Amy Smith reconvened the singing leading 274t and 68b. Leaders: Cheyenne Ivey 222; Cheyenne Ivey and Richard Ivey 384; Jamey Wootten 36b, 138t; Hayden Wootten 101t, 29t; Jared Wootten 475.

Loretta Smith and Amy Smith conducted the memorial lesson and led 348b for the following deceased: Marie Ivey, Leonard Smith, and Troy Ott; and for the following sick and shut-ins: Betty Wright, Willard Wright, Henry Johnson, Bill Tanner, Harrison Creel, Patricia Wootten, Sheila Wootten, Bud Oliver, Sammie Oliver, S.T. Reed, Lessie Reed, and Winnie Blevins.

Leaders: David Ivey 492(WB) (by request); Rodney Ivey 129, 347. Ed Thacker offered the noon blessing.

LUNCH

Loretta Smith brought the afternoon session to order leading 452. Leaders: Nate Green and Norma Green 71, 205; Marlon Wootten 31b; Karen Ivey 32t, 171; Daniel Wootten 59; Eloise Wootten 108t, 186; Rodney Ivey 517 (WB) (for Aunt Toby Hulgan); Loyd Ivey 482, 204; Susan Harcrow 35; David Ivey 136 (for Aunt Winnie Blevins); Teresa Parker, David Ivey, and Rodney Ivey 39b.

Following announcements, Loretta Smith and Amy Smith led 317. The class was dismissed with prayer offered by Dennis George.

Chairman—Loretta Smith; Secretary—Amy Smith

The following letter is included on behalf of the Smith family:

Dear Sacred Harp Family,

This is an open letter to the individuals who sent gift cards to me in my time of need. I was overcome by the out pouring of your generosity and caring. Some of you put your names on the cards, but many did not. I felt that writing this [letter] was the best way to acknowledge everyone. I know many of you prayed for us, because we felt them. They carried us through very dark times. Please continue to pray for all those impacted by this event [the tornadoes that hit the area on April 27, 2011]. I have used, and will use, the cards to purchase items I need in the recovery. May the Lord bless each and every one.

Sincerely,

Miss Janie Loretta Smith