Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 30th annual Illinois State Sacred Harp Convention was called to order by Don Bardsley and Martha Tyner leading 46. The class was warmly welcomed to our new location by Texas Church pastor, Scott Marsh, who gave us some history on the church and offered the morning prayer.

The following officers and committees were previously elected or appointed: Co-Chairpersons—Don Bardsley and Martha Tyner; Secretary—Martha Tyner; Chaplain—Don Bardsley; Arranging Officer—Janet Fraembs; Treasurer and Finance Officer—Mark Graber; Memorial Committee—Don Bardsley and Carol Ann Munro; Food Committee—Lori Graber and Terry Hogg, Registrar—Frank Fraembs.

Leaders: Don Bardsley 146; Martha Tyner 479; Lori Graber 59; Presley Barker 505; Peggy Brayfield 13 (MH); Darrell Swarens 36b; Les Sontag 122; Terry Cunningham 299; LaMar Schlabach 270; Janelle Davis 171; Beverley Enright 441; Julie Vea 280; James Page 45 (MH); Karen Isbell 75 (MH); David Barford 142; Cathryn Bearov 198; Lou Kujawinski 540; Ginny Landgraf 143 (MH); John Seaton 62 (MH); Mary Huffman 155; Ted Mercer 68 (MH); Rochelle Lodder 135 (MH); Dave Ressler 215 (in memory of Dean Slayton).

RECESS

The class was called back to order by Penny Kujawinski leading 49t. Leaders: Jim Helke 107 (MH); Carol Ann Munro 145 (MH); Nate Zweig 54 (MH); Jan Ketelle 89 (MH); Patti Sontag 87; John Huffman 84; Jonathon Smith 411; Gigi Flynn 66; Stephen Huffman 42; Melanie Hauff 216; Terry Hogg 172; Judy Hauff 172 (MH); Don Bardsley 82t; Martha Tyner 40; LaMar Schlabach 47t; Cathryn Bearov 180 (MH); Presley Barker 147 (MH); Penny Kujawinski 500; Peggy Brayfield 159 (MH); Darrell Swarens 217; Janelle Davis 127 (MH); Nate Zweig 61 (MH); Terry Cunningham 151 (MH). Terry Hogg offered the blessing before the noon meal.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Don Bardsley leading 313t. Leaders: Carol Ann Munro 192; Ryan Hill 127; Janet Fraembs 335 (for Karen Hojnacki); Patti Sontag 86; Dave Ressler 300; Judy Hauff 377; David Barford 113; Beverley Enright 504; Lou Kujawinski 168; Julie Vea 138 (MH); Rochelle Lodder 177; John Huffman 350; Jim Helke 142 (MH); Jan Ketelle 430; Karen Isbell 384 (for Coy Ivey); James Page “Diadem” (for Berkley Moore, who wrote the text and arranged the song); Lori Graber 472; Stephen Huffman 39b

RECESS

The class was called back to order by Terry Hogg leading 523. Leaders: Ryan Hill 338; Melanie Hauff 81 (MH).

The memorial lesson was conducted by Carol Ann Munro and Don Bardsley. Carol Ann spoke of coming to sing and discovering she was a part of a much deeper community of people who actually care for one another. She led 340 for the following sick and shut-ins: Karen Hojnacki, Doris Steinmetz, Berkley Moore, Bob Sullivan, Lee Dexheimer, Carolyn Maso, Bob Scorgie, David Hoffelt, Johanna Fabke, Loraine Bayer, Paul Wyatt, Evelyn Harris, and Margie Smith.

Don Bardsley read the following list of names of the deceased: Marge Munro and Patrick Maslanka—Illinois; Paul Grogan—Wisconsin; Hobert Ivey and Shelbie Sheppard—Alabama; Hugh Bill McGuire—Mississippi; Stanly Edwards—Oregon; Dennis Beasley—Florida. Don spoke of biblical monuments made of stone and compared them to the monuments we build for these people in song. He led 70t, and closed the lesson with prayer.

Leaders: Ted Mercer 108 (MH); Gigi Flynn 284; Jonathon Smith 360; Mary Huffman 48b; Les Sontag 268; Ginny Landgraf 96 (MH); John Seaton 35 (MH).

The Resolutions Committee thanked all who contributed to the success of the day, with special recognition for the exceptional work done by the Food Committee, the Arranging Committee, and Ginny Landgraf for pitching throughout the day. Following announcements, the class sang 347 as participants took the parting hand. Don Bardsley offered the closing prayer.

Co-Chairpersons—Don Bardsley and Martha Tyner; Secretary—Martha Tyner