Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 168th annual session of the Elmore Center Sacred Harp Singing was held at Elmore Center United Methodist Church, near Gordo, Alabama, on Wednesday before the third Sunday in August. Jack Pate called the class to order by extending a warm welcome to everyone and leading 75. The pastor, David Holmes, offered the morning prayer.

The class organized by electing or appointing the following officers: Chairman—Jack Pate; Vice Chairman—Toney Smith; Secretary—Lena Keeton; Arranging Officer—Wayne Baines.

Leaders: Jack Pate 341; Hugh Bill McGuire 209, 208; John Van Horn 108t, 155; Jack Moss 45t, 127; Kate Moss 35, 294; Ann Brantley Moss 59, 58; Seth Poston 275b, 129; Wendell Rinehart 31t, 445; Hubert Nall 31b, 405.

RECESS

The class was called back to order by Toney Smith leading 87 and 72b.

Gary Farley played the harmonica for the class and led 447. Leaders: Faye Donaldson 47t, 30t, 30b; Richard Mauldin 100 (in memory of Wilton Donaldson); Richard Mauldin and Seth Poston 358, 36b; Lena Keeton 89, 88t; Wayne Baines 48t, 146. Pastor David Holmes spoke, and offered the blessing before the noon meal.

LUNCH

Jack Pate began the afternoon session by leading 348b. Leaders: Wendell Rinehart 47b; Clint Moss 282, 535; Hugh Bill McGuire 378t; Faye Donaldson 225t; John Van Horn 224, 68b; Seth Poston 235; Jack Moss 354b; Kate Moss 159; Ann Brantley Moss 457; Richard Mauldin 66; Larry Ballinger 113; Hubert Nall 176b; Toney Smith and Jack Pate 63; Wayne Baines 46.

Following announcements, Jack Pate and Larry Ballinger led 56t as the closing song. David Holmes dismissed the class with prayer.

Chairman—Jack Pate; Vice Chairman—Toney Smith; Secretary—Lena Keeton