Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 21st annual session of the Antioch-Shiloh Memorial singing was held at Antioch Baptist Church, south of Tallapoosa, Georgia, on Friday night before the second Sunday in April. Johnny Wright called the class to order leading 59, and then welcomed everyone. The opening prayer was offered by Cecil Roberts. Johnny Wright led 58.

Leaders: Donna Bell 146, 441 (in memory of Mary Florence Smith); Hayden Arp 47t, 101t; Will Dover 47b, 45t; Karen Rollins 46, 32t; Darrell Swarens 36b, 72b; Joann Ward and Hayden Arp 163b; Charlene Wallace 49t, 63; Jason Stanford 56t, 229; Joyce Lambert 127, 312b; Cecil Roberts 48t, 49b.

A business session was held with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Cecil Roberts; Vice Chairman—Johnny Wright; Secretary—Donna Bell. A motion was made to change the name of this singing to Elder Homer and Katherine Benefield / Mildred Johnson Memorial Singing to honor the memory of the original birthday singing honorees. The singing will continue alternating between Antioch Baptist Church in odd numbered years and Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church in even numbered years. Mrs. Johnson was a member at Antioch Baptist Church, and Elder Homer and Katherine Benefield were members at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church. Elder Benefield was also the pastor at Shiloh. Next year’s singing will convene at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church. The motion carried and the business session was closed. Rev. Tommy McGuire, pastor of the church, asked the blessing for the evening meal.

RECESS

Cecil Roberts brought the class together leading 35. Leaders: Donna Bell 294 (by request), 490; Darrell Swarens 128; Darrell Swarens and Jenny Wright 208; Will Dover 207, 108b; Diane Clayton 335; Jason Stanford 348b; Hayden Arp 340.

Following announcements, Cecil Roberts led 330b as the closing song. Jason Stanford offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Cecil Roberts; Vice Chairman—Johnny Wright; Secretary—Donna Bell