Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Saturday, July 13

The 120th session of the Cullman County Sacred Harp Singing Convention was held at the Cullman County Courthouse, Cullman, Alabama, on the second Sunday in July and Saturday before. The class was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Henry Guthery welcoming all and leading 59. Darrell Swarens offered the opening prayer.

Leaders: Henry Guthery 101t; Glenn Keeton 99 (in memory of Billy Williams), 349; Bea Aaron 205, 112; Carolyn Thompson 318, 550; Danny Creel 145t, 475; Jim Aaron 68b, 503; Elsie Moon 395, 348b; Eugene Forbes 175, 299; Robert Chambless 303; Judy Chambless 142, 209; Oleda Drummond 100, 313t; Darrell Swarens 208, 77t (in memory of Amanda Denson); Buell Cobb 297, 298; Geraldine Sharpton 66; Geraldine Sharpton and Dale Moore 542; Marlin Beasley 448t, 64; Ernestine Parker 147t; Loyd Ivey 30t, 111b; Beth Branscome 501, 171; Judy Caudle 564, 567.

A business session was conducted where current officers were re-elected as follows: Chairman—Henry Guthery; Vice Chairman—Glenn Keeton; Secretary/Arranging Officer—Carolyn Thompson; Finance Officer—Bea Aaron.

Leaders: Rachel Pirkey 276, 385b; Kermit Adams 155, 145t; Steve Adams and Rachel Pirkey 331, 378t; Scott Kennedy 178, 228; Bridgett Kennedy 448b, 31t; Brenda Chafin 67, 192; Wanda Capps 546, 217; Ann Jett 146, 172; Daniel Bearden 531, 92; Christopher Mann 38b, 168; Cindy Mann 159, 127.

RECESS

Leaders: Doug Conn 163t, 207; Juanita Newman 355, 108t; Freda Bledsoe and Juanita Newman 87; Freda Bledsoe, Juanita Newman, and Elsie Moon 166; Butch White 344, 86. The blessing before the noon meal was offered by Butch White.

LUNCH

Henry Guthery led 304 to bring the afternoon session to order. Leaders: Nate Green 321, 135; Linda Thomas 134; J.C. Rutledge 565, 568; Louise Holland 63, 73t; Hazel Heinze 84, 535; Henry Guthery 322 (by request); Carolyn Thompson 500; Robert Chambless 384; Judy Chambless 340; Doug Conn 120.

Announcements were made. Henry Guthery led 521 as the closing song. The class was dismissed with prayer.

Sunday, July 14

The Sunday session of the Cullman County Sacred Harp Singing Convention began with Henry Guthery leading 77t. He welcomed everyone and led 30t. The opening prayer was offered by Richard Mauldin.

Leaders: Glenn Keeton 163b, 274t; Bea Aaron 341, 456; Carolyn Thompson 547, 312b; Robert Walker 490, 480; Richard Mauldin 410t, 446; Hazel Heinze 68b, 452; Max Bruce 313b, 59; Sarah Beasley 129; Sarah Beasley and Marlin Beasley 146; Scott Kennedy 347, 454.

RECESS

Leaders: Kermit Adams 327, 329; Amber Davis 391, 187; Larry Ballinger 56t, 158; Geraldine Sharpton 148, 300; B.M. Smith 317, 318; Linda Sides 225t, 182; David Ivey 325 (for Jeff Sheppard), 382; Marlin Beasley 270, 378b; Gravis Ballinger 314, 36b; Lisa Geist 150, 472.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Lisa Geist and Judy Caudle. The sick and homebound remembrance was given by Lisa Geist, reading from Isaiah, and then leading 171.

Judy Caudle spoke on behalf of the deceased and led 176t in their memory. Richard Mauldin closed the memorial session with prayer.

Leaders: Darrell Swarens 111b (in memory of Harrison Creel); Wanda Capps 203; Ottis Sides 530, 527. Earl Ballinger offered prayer before the noon meal.

LUNCH

Henry Guthery led 196 to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Steve Adams 101t, 378t; Delone Cobbs 39t, 312t; Earl Ballinger 162, 439; Judy Caudle 138t, 301; Butch White 535, 34b; Elene Stovall 392, 517; Susan Cherones 40, 186; Seth Holloway 268 (by request), 358; Ernestine Parker 81t, 61 (for Juanita Beasley); Jennifer Clay, Mary Francis Clay, and Becca Lauren Clay 45t, 274t; Mary Holcomb 147t, 147b; Kathy Williams 220, 280; Susan Allred 112, 399b; J.C. Rutledge 39b, 560; Louise Holland 49b; Louise Holland and Kathy Williams 178; Roma Rice 66, 371; William Clay 31t, 72b; Darrell Swarens 236 (by request); Ottis Sides 475.

Announcements were made. Henry Guthery and Glenn Keeton led 521 as the closing song. The closing prayer was offered by Marlin Beasley.

Chairman—Henry Guthery; Vice Chairman—Glenn Keeton; Secretary—Carolyn Thompson