Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 103rd session of the Crossroads Baptist Church Sacred Harp Singing and Homecoming was held on the first Sunday in July. Cecil Roberts called the class to order at 9:30 a.m. leading 60. Robert Chambless offered the morning prayer. Cecil welcomed everyone, and then led 35.

Leaders: Miranel Swafford 137, 32t; Donna Bell 373, 30b (in memory of her daddy, George Garner); B.M. Smith 101b, 318; Virginia Dyer 28b, 40; Robert Chambless 303, 145t; Henry Schuman and Linda Hellerich 171, 225t; Helen Bryson 72t, 299; Dalton Lewis 472, 354b; Daniel Williams 569t, 495; Rene Greene 422, 302.

RECESS

David Smead brought the class back to order by leading 34b. A business session was held with the following officers retained to serve: Chairman—Cecil Roberts; Vice Chairman—Miranel Swafford; Secretary—Donna Bell; Arranging Officer—Judy Chambless.

Leaders: Eschol Hughes 45t, 316; Samuel Williams 547, 481; Mel Kersey 565; Charlene Wallace 283 (in memory of Earlis McGraw); Terry Wootten 39t; Richard DeLong 74b; Winfred Kerr 59, 282; Karen Rollins 343, 344; Tony Hammock 476 (in memory of Earlis McGraw), 284; Lisa Bennett 110, 448t (in memory of Janelle Davis); Robby Rivers 480; Oscar McGuire 229, 163b; Glenda Collins and Bert Collins 335, 340.

Helen Bryson conducted the memorial lesson. She stated, “Blessed be the tie that binds.” She spoke of the Sacred Harp community, the legacy of Sacred Harp, and singers traveling near and far to support a singing. Helen stated that some of the names on the list today were not singers. They were supporters. The following deceased were remembered: Earlis McGraw, George Garner, Mattie Lou Pope, Edward Garner, Curtis Hamrick, and Jean Sloman—Georgia; Joe Nall—Florida; S.T. Reed, Nellie Mae White, Elder Neil Prichard, Hester Edwards, Steve Adams, and Kermit Adams—Alabama; Janelle Davis—Illinois.

Helen stressed the importance of remembering the sick and shut-ins, as well as the caregivers. Let them know that you’re thinking about them, and that their presence is missed. The sick and shut-ins honored today were Lois Bowman, Melanie Hauff, George Burnette, III, Norma Green, Eloise Wootten, Susan Harcrow, Margaret Thacker, Ed Thacker, Bill Windom, Daphene Causey, Jack Nelson, and Zachary Hart. Helen led 330b. John Plunkett closed the memorial lesson with prayer.

Leaders: Hayden Arp 345t, 336 (in memory of his Grandmother); John Plunkett 475 (for Zachary Hart), 227; David Smead 568, 103; Crissy Glenn 339; Mike Castleberry 490, 76b. Cecil Roberts asked a blessing before the noon meal.

LUNCH

The singing resumed with Cecil Roberts leading 285t. Leaders: Judy Chambless 36b; Phillip Ford 503; Susan Ford and Oscar McGuire 452; Lisa Bennett 505; James Newman 146; Hayden Arp 149, 294 (by request); Henry Schuman and Linda Hellerich 532; Terry Wootten 345b; Crissy Glenn 277; Mel Kersey 175; Donna Bell 82t (in memory of her uncle, C.W. Garner, and in honor of Gerald Sloman); B.M. Smith 138t; Virginia Dyer 186; Samuel Williams 107; Rene Greene 371; Robert Chambless 143; Daniel Williams 360; Winfred Kerr 314; Eschol Hughes 100; Tony Hammock 112; David Smead 36t; Oscar McGuire 276; Phillip Ford 408; Susan Ford and Oscar McGuire 145t.

Announcements were made. Cecil Roberts led 162 (by request) as the closing song. Eschol Hughes offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Cecil Roberts; Vice Chairman—Miranel Swafford; Secretary—Donna Bell