Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Rick McLain, former president of the Louisiana State Sacred Harp Singing Convention and a student of Dr. Wallace McKenzie, opened the singing by stating that the group had assembled to sing Sacred Harp in tribute to the tireless work that Dr. Wallace McKenzie had performed in promoting Sacred Harp singing. “Dr. McKenzie is no stranger to most of us here today and it gives us great pleasure, said McLain, to end this two day symposium in his honor by joining him in singing praise from the Sacred Harp”.

Rick McLain asked Dr. Harry Eskew of the Baptist Theological Seminary of New Orleans to offer the invocation and then present a brief lesson on Sacred Harp singing for those who are unfamiliar with this form of American folk singing. During this introduction Dr. Eskew led songs on pages 49t and 105. Next Dr. McKenzie came forward and led songs on pages 48b and 159. Dr. Mark Thomas, also a student of Dr. McKenzie and a Sacred Harp scholar, led songs on pages 63 and 217. Rick McLain led 358 and 38 (t? b?). Brad Pope led song on page 155 as the closing song.

There was a warm feeling of friendship expressed by the singers. Among the more than thirty singers were some of Baton Rouge’s finest vocalists as well as some “first timers”. The accoustics were perfect for Sacred Harp singing and there seemed to be a common desire to meet again in this place of worship.

A collection was taken up to have the minutes printed.

Dr. McKenzie closed the singing by thanking everyone for coming and invited all to join him and his wife at their home for refreshments.

Secretary—Richard D. McLain.