Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 35th annual Illinois Sacred Harp Convention was called to order by Ted Mercer leading 32t. Welcome and opening prayer were offered by Texas Christian Church pastor, Scott Marsh. The following officers were previously elected or appointed: Chairman—Ted Mercer; Secretary—Janet Fraembs; Treasurer—Mark Graber; Arranging Committee—Peggy Brayfield and Janet Fraembs; Food—Lori Graber and Terry Hogg; Chaplain—Mark Graber; Registration—Jayne Bardsley; Memorial Committee—Janet Fraembs, Don Bardsley, and Terry Hogg.

Singing continued with Ted Mercer leading 168. Leaders: Peggy Brayfield 84, 59; Lori Graber 2 (MH), 4 (MH); LaMar Schlabach 454, 47t; Ginny Landgraf 542, 290; James Page 139 (MH), 13 (MH); Jan Ketelle 515 (in memory of Karen Hojnacki), 430.

RECESS

Ted Mercer called the class back to order. Leaders: Jim Helke 142 (MH); Jo Del Albi 135 (MH), 195; Don Bardsley 217; Lou Kujawinski 122 (MH); Barbara Chopin 209, 180 (MH); Jonathon Smith 351, 336; Presley Barker 8 (MH), 133 (MH).

The memorial lesson was conducted by Janet Fraembs and Don Bardsley. Janet reminded us that we are all one family and that this lesson is a time set apart to remember that. Don led 285t for the following sick and shut-ins: Doris Steinmetz, JoAn Baker, Melanie Hauff, Johanna Fabke, Charlene Wallace, and Patty Poulter. Janet led 82b in memory of the following deceased: Karen Hojnacki, Don Baker, Hal Malehorn, and Michael Appert—Illinois; and Freddie Briggs—Florida.

A special memorial lesson for Karen Hojnacki was led by Terry Hogg, who spoke of Karen’s passion for Sacred Harp and the love she brought to the music, both in Wisconsin and then in Illinois. He then led 208 for Karen. Peggy Brayfield, at Jerome Colburn’s request, led 198 for Karen. Her daughter, Gavrielah-Catherine, then spoke about her mother and shared that she was singing from her mom’s book, with all the notes she had written there.

Singing continued with Ted Mercer leading 95 and Penny Kujawinski leading 300.

RECESS

Jim Page brought the class back together by leading 65. Leaders: LaMar Schlabach 47b, 287; Jim Page “Plainfield New”; Ginny Landgraf 334, 162 (MH); Jan Ketelle 515 (for Catherine), 212; Jim Helke 178 (MH), 39 (MH). Grace was offered by Mark Graber.

LUNCH

Don Bardsley called the class back to order by leading 145b. Leaders: Jo Del Albi 84 (MH); Joan Aldridge 523; Penny Kujawinski 65 (MH), 172 (MH); Presley Barker 131 (MH), 147 (MH); Jonathon Smith 45 (MH), 151 (MH); Barbara Chopin 547; Lou Kujawinski 272, 66; Lori Graber 155, 326; Ted Mercer 52b, 312t; LaMar Schlabach 53, 48t.

RECESS

Ted Mercer called the class to order for the final session of the day leading 80 (MH). Leaders: Peggy Brayfield 384, 385t (in memory of Karen Hojnacki); Ginny Landgraf 19 (MH), 134; Jerome Colburn 229, 504; Jan Ketelle 89 (MH), 113 (MH); Ryan Hill 338, 288; Jim Helke 177 (MH), 6 (MH); Jim Page 67 (MH) (in memory of Karen Hojnacki), 68 (MH). Don Bardsley led 133 (in memory of Don Baker).

Chairman Ted Mercer thanked all who contributed to the success of the day, in particular the Texas Christian Church and Pastor Marsh, all who brought food, all committee members, and all others in any area of service. The Treasurer reported that all expenses had been met. Following announcements, the class sang 347 while taking the parting hand. Mark Graber offered the closing prayer.

Chairman—Ted Mercer; Secretary—Janet Fraembs