Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Sacred Harp singing at Pine Grove Church, near Collinsville, Alabama, was held on the third Sunday in April. The class was called to order by Scot Oliver leading 82t. Donnie Reed offered the opening prayer.

In a business meeting, Henry Johnson made a motion, seconded by David Brodeur, that today’s singing be dedicated to the memory of Darrell Swarens. The motion was approved, and the business session closed.

Leaders: Rodney Ivey 42; Judy Caudle 36b; Donnie Reed 59; Boyd Scott 358, 58; Ed Thacker 213t; Nate Green and Norma Green 341; Gail Doss 208; Hayden Arp 204 (for Barrett Patton); Delone Cobbs 354t; Judy Mincey 111t; Larry Ballinger 528; Andy Ditzler 185; Henry Johnson 122; Linda Sides 285t.

RECESS

Rodney Ivey led 345b to bring the class together. Leaders: Daniel Lee 28t; Yancey Jett and Ann Jett 440; Reba Windom 318 (in memory of Eloise Wootten and B.M. Smith); Joyce Whittington 99; Nathan Rees 200; April Watkins 53; Amber Davis 192 (for Ozella Blackmon); Nicholas Thompson 530; Paula Oliver 217; David Brodeur 507; Michele Cull 441; Marty Wootten 472.

RECESS

The class was called to order by Rodney Ivey leading 73t. Leaders: Taylor Watkins 445; Alanna Blanks, Arleigh Beard, Sheryl Beard, and Bryant Beard 405; Jared Wootten 460.

In a memorial lesson, the Eldridge family remembered Darrell Swarens. Adrian spoke of the friendship they shared with Darrell. He said Darrell was a mentor to the kids, and a grandfather figure in their lives. Virginia talked of having Darrell in their home often, and that he will be missed. They led 83t and 335. Eddie Mash, Michele Cull, and Brenda Waters spoke of travelling across the country to singings with Darrell. They led 354b. Others remembered during the memorial lesson were Doug Conn, Wally Jeffries, Berkley Moore, Verlon Stiefel, Eloise Wootten, Sue Wills, and Tracey Keith.

Leaders: Cheyenne Ivey 182; Lisa Bennett 402 (for Don Bowen); Isaac Green 302; Betty Shepherd and Judy Caudle 216; Gavin Blakeley 189; David Ivey 186. James Eldridge asked a blessing before the noon meal.

LUNCH

The afternoon session began with James Eldridge leading 147b. Leaders: David Smead 267; Jamey Wootten 475; Jackie Tanner 314; Danny Creel 269 (for Leon Ballinger); Chris Ballinger 498; Katherine Eldridge 77t (in memory of Darrell Swarens); Susan Cherones 349; Shane Wootten and Reba Windom 411; Ann Jett 546; Eddie Mash 196; Lisa Geist 492; Bob Watkins and Adrian Eldridge 72b; Elene Stovall 442 (for Lynne deBenedette); Virginia Eldridge 547; Richard Ivey and Everett Ivey 542; Shelby Castillo 283; Adrian Eldridge and David Ivey 463; Kelsey Ivey 421; James Eldridge 50b; Eric Blanks and Emma Blanks 496; Tom George 70b; Dennis George 506; Cindy Tanner and Adrian Eldridge 198, 111b; Coy Ivey 384, 465 (CB).

Announcements were made. Scot Oliver and Rodney Ivey led 146 as the closing song. Donnie Reed dismissed the class with prayer.

Chairmen—Scot Oliver and Wayne Reed; Secretary—Judy Caudle