Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Poplar Springs Primitive Baptist Church, north of Bowdon, Carroll County, Georgia, hosted its first Sacred Harp singing since the 1980 Chattahoochee Convention on the fourth Sunday in September. The class was called to order by Cecil Roberts leading 35. Judy Chambless offered the opening prayer. Cecil Roberts welcomed everyone to the revival of this singing, and then led 37b.

Leaders: Rene Greene 36b, 84; Donna Bell 81t, 336; Jack Nelson 76b (for Cecil Roberts), 73t; Oscar McGuire 34b, 171; Richard DeLong 100, 103.

A business session was held with the following officers elected or appointed: Chairman—Richard DeLong; Co-Vice Chairmen—Samuel Williams and Cecil Roberts; Secretary—Donna Bell; Arranging Officer—Judy Chambless.

Leaders: Samuel Williams 123t, 99; Lisa Bennett 98, 572; Winfred Kerr 500 (for Rebecca Over, who was unable to attend, and asked that it be sung in memory of Hugh McGraw), 314; Glenda Collins and Bert Collins 63, 340; Karen Rollins 389, 225t (in memory of Earlis McGraw and B.M. Smith); Robert Chambless, Mary Robinson, Pat Tiller, and Landon Hendrix 480; Robert Chambless and Mary Robinson 72b.

RECESS

Samuel Williams brought the class back to order leading 180. Leaders: Andy Ditzler 127, 79; Virginia Dyer 31t, 32t; Karen Flagg 47b; Karen Flagg and David Brodeur 353; Kathy Williams 299, 186; David Smead 213t, 410b; Esther Williams 421, 148; Philip Denney 129, 448t; Chance Cook 192.

Richard DeLong conducted the memorial lesson. He spoke, and then led 400 in honor of the following sick and shut-ins: Barbara Hughes, Robby Rivers, all the victims of the recent hurricanes and earthquakes, Chris Holley, Concetta Branson, Daniel Williams, and Ruth Daniel.

Richard led 403 for the following deceased: Hugh McGraw, Harold DeLong, Talmadge Horsley, Margaret Cole, Gail Jackson, Sandra Johnson, Alene Harris, Mike Taylor, Lynn Swafford Key, Elder Larry Keaton, Eloise Wootten, and Gravis Ballinger. Cecil Roberts closed the memorial lesson with prayer.

Cecil Roberts thanked the class for their generous donations. Due to this singing being held in the later part of the year, the class opted for the minutes to be printed in the minutes book, and forgo ordering them. The church will be given the remaining funds.

Samuel Williams led 29t. The blessing of the noon meal was offered by Cecil Roberts at the table.

LUNCH

The class convened with David Brodeur leading 141. Leaders: Gary Davis 338, 335; Sherrell Cleino 294 (for Mildred Patterson), 445; David Brodeur 122, 235; Fallon Cook 358, 146; Jason Stanford 544, 114; Judy Chambless 348t, 82t; Lisa Bennett 573; Rene Greene 120; Cecil Roberts 229 (for Oscar McGuire); Oscar McGuire 515; Jack Nelson 125; Samuel Williams 168; Glenda Collins and Bert Collins 40; Robert Chambless 49t; Jennifer Pyland and Charlotte Kiker 72b (in memory of Joe (Little Joe) Warren and Edsel Warren); Kathy Williams and Andy Ditzler 108t; David Smead 161; Gary Davis and Karen Flagg 354b; Winfred Kerr 318; Esther Williams 75; Sherrell Cleino 378t; Fallon Cook 176t; David Brodeur 131t; Jason Stanford 568.

The class voted to have the singing next year on the fourth Sunday in September. Richard DeLong stated that Poplar Springs Primitive Baptist Church was established in 1841, and that it was built in 1906 or 1909. This is the third church built on this site.

Following announcements, Richard DeLong, Samuel Williams, and Cecil Roberts led 46 as the closing song, while those who wished took the parting hand. Cecil Roberts offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Richard DeLong; Co-Vice Chairmen—Samuel Williams and Cecil Roberts; Secretary—Donna Bell