Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

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McWhorter Memorial

Mars Hill Primitive Baptist Church, Cleburne County, Alabama

October 19, 1997

The annual McWhorter Memorial Sacred Harp singing was held at Mars Hill Primitive Baptist Church in Cleburne County, Alabama on the third Sunday in October. The class was brought to order by Cecil Edwards leading song on page 65. The morning prayer was offered by Walter Hamrick. Cecil Edwards led song on page 168.

The class organized by electing the following officers: Chairman—Cecil Edwards; Vice Chairman—Lonnie Rogers; Secretary—Mary Florence Smith; Arranging Committee—Hester Edwards.

Leaders: Lonnie Rogers 101t, 75, 155; Mary Florence Smith 59, 45t; George Garner 47t, 63, 212; Alice Edwards 104; Bobby Bailey 28b, 31t; Jimmie Denney 30t, 313t, 276; Reba Norton 100, 61; C. W. Garner 99, 98.

RECESS

The class resumed singing with Lonnie Rogers leading song on page 176b. Leaders: Everette Denney 145b, 426t, 503; Johnny Wright 274t, 146, 317 (in memory of the M. F. McWhorter family); Roy Nelson 82t, 87, 145t; Ruth Daniels 40, 378t; Harvey Austin 108t (in memory of Melanie Norton and in honor of Nettie Davis who is ill), 410t.

A memorial lesson for Mrs. Josie Pruitt McAlpin was given by Mary Florence Smith and Lonnie Rogers. Mary Florence gave a short talk on Mrs. McAlpin’s life, and the contribution she gave to the singings until her death at the age of 97 years. Special recognization was given to her two daughters and niece who were present. Lonnie Rogers led Mrs. McAlpin’s two favorite songs, 358 and 58. The memorial was closed with prayer by Mary Florence Smith.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was opened by Cecil Edwards leading songs on pages 159 and 144. Leaders: Walter Hamrick 111t, 112, 318; Alice Edwards 73b; Katherine Benefield and Homer Benefield 141, 56t; C. W. Garner 166b; Roy Nelson 97, 335; Nellie Mae White 106, 490; George Garner 569b, 441; Lou Cotney 300, 218, 172; Harvey Austin 334; Everette Denney 34b, 68b; Cecil Edwards 179 (in memory of Jack Kerr); Lonnie Rogers 348b.

Announcements were made. Cecil Edwards and Lonnie Rogers led page 100 as the closing song. The class was dismissed with prayer by Harvey Austin.

Chairman—Cecil Edwards; Vice Chairman—Lonnie Rogers; Secretary—Mary Florence Smith.