Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Nigel Bowley called the class to order leading 33b. The opening prayer was offered by the Reverend Marjorie Brown. Sheila Girling Macadam shared detailed and interesting information about Rebecca’s early life and her family history. Following this, Edwin Macadam spoke of Rebecca’s initial introduction to Sacred Harp singing and her subsequent passion as a researcher and historian for that subject. Sheila and Edwin led 500 in Rebecca’s memory.

Michael Walker continued by telling the class about the first time he met Rebecca, and how his admiration for Rebecca’s joy and enthusiasm for Sacred Harp grew over the years. He referred to her as ‘The Authority’ on the McGraw family and their history. He explained that Rebecca had attended many small and obscure singings as well as large conventions all over the Southern States. To his pleasure and surprise, he had met her unexpectedly on several occasions whilst in the USA. Michael led 482 in her memory.

Calum Woods went on to read out heartfelt and moving messages received from Winfred Kerr and Judy Rollins Warmack. Calum led 381 in Rebecca’s memory.

Brenda Harvey went on to explain Rebecca’s most welcome support and steadfast involvement with the Winchester Sacred Harp group. She spoke especially of Rebecca’s experiences during the lockdown caused by the current pandemic. She told the class of conversations between them and how Sacred Harp clearly continued to be incredibly important to Rebecca during that time, despite the cessation of communal singing. Brenda also detailed Rebecca’s perfectly judged memorial lesson at the 4th Winchester all-day singing, scarcely more than a week before her death. Brenda ended her contribution by leading 146 in Rebecca’s memory, this being the last song Rebecca sang while standing in the hollow square.

Alec Williams read Psalm 150. Marjorie concluded by reflecting on Rebecca’s long, productive life and offered prayer. She invited assembled singers to introduce their songs in the following session with any contributions they might choose to share about Rebecca. Marjorie closed the memorial by leading 283.

RECESS

The class spent an extended recess fondly exchanging memories and anecdotes about Rebecca.

Nigel Bowley called the class back to order leading 159. Leaders: Brenda Harvey 497; Kathryn Whelan 47b; Neil Horlock 65; Michelle Rice 47t; Edwin Macadam 200; Steve Welch 77b; Michael Walker 163b; Sheila Girling Macadam 171; Alec Williams 426t; Rachel Jordan 474; Machna Nowak 122; Calum Woods 562; Emily Spademan 344; Nick Hall 455; Marjorie Brown 472; Michael Walker 475; Edwin Macadam 236; Steve Welch 147b; Rachel Jordan 565; Calum Woods 77t; Machna Nowak 569b; Nick Hall 454; Alec Williams 354t.

Nigel Bowley and Brenda Harvey led 347 as the closing song. Alec Williams offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Secretary—Nigel Bowley