Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 6th annual Victorian All-Day Singing was held at the Bluestone Hall of Brunswick Uniting Church, Brunswick, Victoria, Australia.

Natalie Sims taught an introductory singing school on the distinctive aspects of Sacred Harp singing and practice. The aspects covered included: i) the use of shape notes, ii) the role of the keyer and the notes they commonly sing before each song, iii) how and why notes are sung before the words, iv) the role of the song leader and the opportunity for all singers to lead, and v) the square seating arrangement signifying the communal nature of Sacred Harp practice and its purpose in singing to each other and to God. Natalie Sims led 77b.

The outgoing Chairman, Natalie Sims, welcomed everyone. A business session was held, and the following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Melanie Albrecht; Secretary—Lauren Reader; Chaplain—Lauren Reader; Memorial Lesson—Jim Kilpatrick; Treasurer—Christine Durbridge, assisted by Daniel Whelan; Arranging Committee—Ruth McNamara. The opening prayer was offered by Lauren Reader.

Leaders: Melanie Albrecht 155; Shawn Whelan 31t; Daniel Whelan 496; Lauren Reader 36b; Morag Logan 324; Peter Rayner and Morag Logan 183; Myfanwy Godfrey 107; Don Warren 141; Ruth McNamara 49t; Meg Quinlisk 312t; Natalie Sims 143.

RECESS

Melanie Albrecht led 312b to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Shawn Whelan 276; Daniel Whelan 277; Lauren Reader 66; Morag Logan 112; Peter Rayner 236; Don Warren 48b; Alda Balthrop-Lewis 503; Ruth McNamara 47t; Meg Quinlisk 68b; Tricia Entwistle and Meg Quinlisk 198; Natalie Sims 564; Melanie Albrecht 282; Shawn Whelan 472; Daniel Whelan 481; Lauren Reader 122; Morag Logan 217; Peter Rayner 201; Don Warren 428. Lauren Reader offered grace before the meal.

LUNCH

Ruth McNamara led 34b to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Meg Quinlisk 291; Myfanwy Godfrey 117; Alda Balthrop-Lewis 457; Bill Thomson and Lauren Reader 49b; Duncan Smith 268; Natalie Sims 142; Melanie Albrecht 535; Shawn Whelan 269; Daniel Whelan 430; Lauren Reader 287; Morag Logan 551; Peter Rayner 452; Ruth McNamara 77t.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Jim Kilpatrick. The following deceased were remembered and honored: Bernie Rayner, Joe Gardner, Isabel Ross, Val Milne, and David Gay. Jim Kilpatrick led 163b. The following sick and shut-ins were named: Helen Rowe, Robyn Gardner, Elaena Gardner, Ellen Dodd, Stephen Blundell, and Maggie Murphy. Jim Kilpatrick led 178.

Leaders: Natalie Sims 547; Meg Quinlisk 455; Myfanwy Godfrey 86.

RECESS

Melanie Albrecht led 63 to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Shawn Whelan 168; Alda Balthrop-Lewis 162; Lauren Reader 67; Morag Logan 344; Peter Rayner 388; Ruth McNamara and Bernice Dodd 274t; Jill Griffiths 45t; Meg Quinlisk 474; Myfanwy Godfrey 203; Daniel Whelan 320; Caitlin Jay, Erin Jay, Olivia Jay, and Geordie McClelland 209; Alda Balthrop-Lewis 146; Lauren Reader 448b; Bernice Dodd and Ruth McNamara 284; Meg Quinlisk, Caitlin Jay, and Tricia Entwistle 200.

The Chairman thanked 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 Secretary reported that at least twenty-four singers had sung sixty-five songs led by twenty leaders. The Treasurer reported that donations had been received, and would be directed towards the use of the hall. A resolution on the date for the Victorian All-Day Singing, 2019, was deferred. Announcements were made, and thanks were given, especially to the visiting singers. Melanie Albrecht led 62 as the closing song. Lauren Reader offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Melanie Albrecht; Secretary—Lauren Reader