Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 31st session of the Illinois State Sacred Harp Convention was called to order by Martha Tyner leading 59. The class was welcomed to the lovely, newly-restored church sanctuary by Pastor Scott Marsh, who offered the morning prayer.

The following officers and committees were previously elected or appointed: Chairperson—Martha Tyner; Vice Chairperson—Ryan Hill; Secretary—Janet Fraembs; Chaplain—John Huffman; Arranging Officer—Janet Fraembs; Memorial Committee—Janelle Davis and Presley Barker; Treasurer—Mark Graber; Food—Lori Graber, Terry Hogg; Registration—Frank Fraembs.

Leaders: Lori Graber 2 (MH); Terry Hogg 145 (MH); Peggy Brayfield 138 (MH); Lou Kujawinski 28b; Mary Huffman 273; Don Bardsley 198; Linda Selph 475; James Page 45 (MH); Steve Warner 86; Anna Pfau 30 (t? b?); John Huffman 528; Jonathon Smith 186; Jan Ketelle 168; Terry Cunningham 106; John Seaton 180 (MH); Stephen Huffman 569t; Ted Mercer 100 (MH); Presley Barker 474.

RECESS

Ryan Hill brought the class together by leading 338. Dave Ressler led 216.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Presley Barker and Janelle Davis. Presley Barker read the following names of the sick and shut-ins: Mort Whitman, Charlie Derleth, Linda Domholt, Kermit Adams, Johanna Fabke, Loraine Bayer, Karen Hojnacki, Doris Steinmetz, and Melanie Hauff. He led 472 for them.

Janelle Davis spoke in memory of the following deceased: Bob Sullivan, Lee Dexheimer—Illinois; David Rust, Daniel Sommers (Samuel’s Dad), and Virginia Duke—Indiana; Raymond Hamrick—Georgia; Bob Scorgie—Wisconsin. She led 209 in their memory, and shared how much naming and singing for our Sacred Harp friends both honors them and helps to heal our grief. Tune 318 expresses it well. We are the Present Joys; those on the memorial list are our Blessings Past; and we have the Hope of Heaven at Last where we all meet to sing again. John Huffman closed the memorial lesson with prayer.

Leaders: Darrell Swarens 72b; John David Thacker 344; Penny Kujawinski 142 (MH) (for Berkley Moore, who just came in and was joyfully removed from the sick and shut-in list); Jason Hosfield 63; Janelle Davis and Darrell Swarens 507; Berkley Moore 435; Terry Hogg 51 (MH); Peggy Brayfield 168 (MH); Linda Selph 372; Jonathon Smith 380; Don Bardsley 489; Lou Kujawinski 222; Anna Pfau 500; John Huffman 163b; Ted Mercer 147 (MH); James Page 139 (MH); Terry Cunningham 84; John Seaton 62 (MH); Steve Warner 131 (MH); Jan Ketelle 13 (MH); Stephen Huffman 327. John Huffman offered the blessing before the noon meal.

LUNCH

Penny Kujawinski called the class back together for the afternoon session leading 32t. Leaders: Darrell Swarens 49b; Joan Aldridge and Darrell Swarens 217; Presley Barker 12 (MH); Mary Huffman 178; Jason Hosfield 299; Dave Ressler 377; John David Thacker 122; Janelle Davis 142; Dave Ressler 78 (MH) (for Berkley Moore); Ryan Hill 79; Lori Graber 548; Linda Selph 430; John Huffman 362; Anna Pfau 392; Don Bardsley 99; Peggy Brayfield 145t; Jonathon Smith 108b; Lou Kujawinski 328.

RECESS

Ryan Hill led 143 to bring the class together. Leaders: James Page 67 (MH); Penny Kujawinski 135 (MH); Jan Ketelle 89 (MH); Ted Mercer 68 (MH); Terry Cunningham 200; John David Thacker 47b; John Seaton 47t; Mary Huffman 352; Steve Warner 81t; Stephen Huffman 304; Janelle Davis 480; Dave Ressler 300; Terry Hogg 133.

Mark Graber announced that expenses were met. Martha Tyner then thanked the Texas Christian Church for their warm welcome; various committees and individuals who had made the convention a success; those who had brought food; and those who had come from near and far to sing. Announcements were made. The 2016 Illinois Convention will again meet at the Texas Christian Church.

Martha Tyner led 347, as we bid each other a Christian’s Farewell. John Huffman offered the closing prayer.

Chairman—Martha Tyner; Vice Chairman—Ryan Hill; Secretary—Janet Fraembs