Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The morning session of the 131st annual Big Singing using The Southern Harmony, compiled by William Walker, was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Gene Gilliland, who also offered the opening prayer.

Leaders: Ralph Paris 103; Tom Waggener 31t; Kerry Lovett 89b; Nate Dwight 15; Trent Hollinger 16; David Killingsworth 213; Gene Gilliland 8t; Ralph Paris 159b, 302; Randy Webber 189, 4b; Matt Meacham 11, 312t; Marcelyn Thobaben 46; Trent Hollinger 303; Janelle Davis 252; Nate Dwight 106b; Kerry Lovett 144; Ralph Paris 1; Gene Gilliland 51; Nate Dwight 4t; Randy Webber 123; Ralph Paris 5b, 50, 210; Mac McDonald 275; Tom Waggener 10b; David Killingsworth 107, 19t. Kevin Byars offered prayer before the noon meal.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order at 1:15 p.m. by Sheriff Kevin Byars, who made welcoming remarks. Gene Gilliland and Ralph Paris provided a brief introduction to Southern Harmony singing notation.

Leaders: Gary Clark 103, 31t; Gene Gilliland 181t, 275; Kerry Lovett 64, 159b; Ralph Paris 133, 283.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Ralph Paris, who led 8 for Maxine Story of St. Louis, Benson Blackey of Benton, and Lestie Brian of Benton.

Leaders: Randy Webber 276b, 282; David Killingsworth 165t, 38; Randy Webber 83 (for Don Waggener); Tom Waggener 116; Marcelyn Thobaben 46; Mark Cain 296, 11; Trent Hollinger 89b, 16; Matt Meacham 166, 144, 189; Ralph Paris 107; Trent Hollinger 252; Randy Webber 322, 259; Ralph Paris 7t; Nate Dwight 8b; Randy Webber 2; Nate Dwight 10b; Randy Webber 213; Ralph Paris 3t; Gene Gilliland 334. Gary Clark offered the closing prayer.

Chairman and Secretary—Gene Gilliland; Vice Chairman—Ralph Paris