Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 4th annual Victorian All-Day Singing was held at the Bluestone Hall of Brunswick Uniting Church, Brunswick, Victoria, Australia. Shawn Whelan led 31t and welcomed everyone, especially those who had travelled long distances. The opening prayer was offered by Rev. Ian Ferguson.

Karen Willard taught an introductory singing school to orient new singers to the Sacred Harp singing tradition. She explained the notes of the four-shape scale, and “road signs” to help new singers follow the musical notation.

RECESS

Leaders: Natalie Sims 45t; Lauren Reader 448b; Ruth McNamara 34b; Daniel Whelan 535; Bob van Toor 178; Ken Hallock 77b; Don Warren 68b; Geoff Grainger 156; Morag Logan 107; Elaena Gardner 46; Peter Rayner 63; Shawn Whelan 56b; Karen Willard 448t; Natalie Sims 547; Lauren Reader 97; Ruth McNamara 40; Daniel Whelan 224; Bob van Toor 47b; Ken Hallock 42; Don Warren 287; Geoff Grainger 313b; Morag Logan 344; Elaena Gardner 388; Peter Rayner 452. Ian Ferguson offered prayer before the meal.

LUNCH

Shawn Whelan led 455 to bring the class back to order.

A business session was held and the following officers and committee members were elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Shawn Whelan; Secretary—Lauren Reader; Chaplain—Rev. Ian Ferguson; Treasurer—Morag Logan; Arranging Committee—Ruth McNamara and Daniel Whelan; Food Coordination—Don Warren and Cara Rosehope; Resolutions Committee—Maggie Murphy; Housing Committee—Ruth McNamara.

Leaders: Karen Willard 534; Natalie Sims 551; Myfanwy Godfrey 117; Lauren Reader 70t; Ruth McNamara 274t; Daniel Whelan 504; Bob van Toor 86; Ken Hallock 215; Don Warren 131b; Geoff Grainger and Madeleine Shipper Lansing 523; Morag Logan 299.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Natalie Sims. The following sick and shut-ins were named: Jack Lanagan, Tricia Entwistle, Melanie Albrecht, Jim Kilpatrick, Jenny Hwang, and Nicola Strating. Natalie Sims led 475.

The following deceased were remembered and honoured: Kirsty Grainger, Rosina Thomson, Scott Stephens, and Maryla Lys. Natalie Sims led 163b, and then offered prayer.

Leaders: Elaena Gardner and Margo Lanagan 472; Peter Rayner 496; Shawn Whelan 540; Bill Thomson 268; Karen Willard 170; Natalie Sims and Maggie Murphy 155.

RECESS

Myfanwy Godfrey led 277 to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Lauren Reader 138t; Ruth McNamara 47t; Daniel Whelan 168; Shawn Whelan “Tune My Heart” (2016, a tune he had composed at Camp Fasola); Natalie Sims “Brunswick” (by Angharad Davis, 2014); Don Warren 204; Morag Logan 72b; Peter Rayner and Shawn Whelan 49b; Elaena Gardner and Margo Lanagan 142; Geoff Grainger and Madeleine Shipper Lansing 143; Bob van Toor 300; Karen Willard and Ken Hallock 171.

The Resolutions Committee submitted the following report: Thanks to those who worked hard to make the all-day singing happen, including officers, committee members, our singing school teacher, and all those who brought food. The Arranging Committee reported that at least twenty-eight singers had sung fifty-seven songs led by eighteen leaders. The Treasurer reported that all expenses had been met, and a substantial donation could be offered for the use of the hall. A resolution was carried to meet again in Brunswick on the third Sunday in July, 2017. Announcements were made, and thanks were given, especially to the visiting singers.

Shawn Whelan led 340 as the closing song. Ian Ferguson offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Shawn Whelan; Secretary—Lauren Reader