Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual New Haven Sacred Harp singing was held in Connecticut Hall on the campus of Yale University. The class was called to order by Nathalie Levine and Julie Botnick leading 38t. The opening prayer was offered by Christina Wallin.

Leaders: Ellen Lueck 31b; Kamilah Tisdale 37b; Matthew Dernbach 49t; Elizabeth Stoddard 101b, 201; Charles Biada 465, 426b; Angharad Davis 48b, 441; Ian Quinn 150, 138b; Paula Picton 108t; Philippa Stoddard 85, 165; Douglas Fower 203, 227.

The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairpersons—Julie Botnick and Nathalie Levine; Vice Chairman—Ellen Lueck; Treasurer—Mary Barrett; Secretary—Kamilah Tisdale.

RECESS

Lynda Paul called the class to order leading 31t. Leaders: Mary Barrett 33b; John Davis 99; Lindsay Kruse 406; Jordan Lewis 504; Ann Henry 276; Emma Schwartz 300; Jason Steidl 156; Willis McCumber 460.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Paula Picton and Liz Cantrell. Liz Cantrell read the following names of those who were sick or shut in: Henry Wachtel, Alison Zunklei, Barb Ames, Claudene Townson, Christine Andrews, Lynne deBenedette, Berkeley Moore, Ashley Vogel, and Eileen Gramo. She led 503 in their honor.

Paula Picton led 285t in memory of the following deceased: Harvey Fisher and Shirley Fisher—Delaware; Carroll Lundsford, Dean McNeil, and Chris Edwards—California; Jim Hearn and Jessie Slaughter—Missouri; Chet Kennedy and Alicia Kennedy—Michigan; Pete Domachuk—New South Wales; George Baskette—Vermont; Earl Martin—Illinois; Elizabeth Berry—Minnesota; William A. Greehy, Jr.—Pennsylvania; Somen Goodman—Quebec; John Van Soronsin—Maine; Jeff Sheppard, Shelbie Sheppard, and Mike Nunn—Alabama; Charles Waide, Diane Mennella, and Rose Hewitt—New York; Charlie Downey—New Jersey; Phil Davis—District of Columbia. Liz Cantrell closed the memorial lesson with prayer.

Leaders: Ines Lüttgen 562; John Giles 517, 213b; Sasha Hsuczyk 70b; Julia Seidenstein 472; Terry Ryan 344, 200; Gwen Gethner 360, 196; Kiri Miller 485. Dan Hunter offered the blessing before the noon meal.

LUNCH

Sasha Hsuczyk called the class back together by leading 144. Leaders: Jesse Polhemus 187; Becky Wright 316, 416; James Baumgartner 501, 384; Mary Helen Dupree 497, 87; Mel Novner 232, 371; Amanda Jokerst and Lindsey Eggerbrecht 38b; Michael Walker 131b, 322; J.R. Hardman 445, 408; Graham Dezarn 109; Rachel Hall 355; Daniel Hunter 132; Rachel Speer 386; Mary Skidmore 236; Robert Stoddard 206, 532; Linda Shea 354t; Nancy Mandel 474, 160b.

RECESS

Cheri Hardy led 270 to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Liora O’Donnel Goldensher 349; Aldo Ceresa 430, 431; Pat Callahan 498; Cory Noel 153, 432; Michael Kaye 480, 146; Carol Huang 442; Dean Jens 174; Corinne Ducey 28b; Jacob Lee 328; Charlotte Ehrman 365; Adam Poole 269; Rebecca Blumenthal 436; Merv Horst 235; Jonathan Kaufman Scher and Mason Shefa 111t; Sharon Lehr 315; Carson Evans 547.

The Treasurer reported that all expenses had been met. The Secretary reported that there were eighty-five songs led by sixty-five leaders with registered participants representing twelve states and two countries. Matthew Dernbach gave the Resolutions Committee report, thanking all who helped make the singing a success, and announcing the resolution to meet again in Connecticut Hall on the third Sunday in April, 2015.

Announcements were made. The class sang 62 as the closing song. Angharad Davis offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairpersons—Julie Botnick and Nathalie Levine; Vice Chairman—Ellen Lueck; Secretary—Kamilah Tisdale