Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 41st annual Kentucky State Sacred Harp Singing, hosted by the Appalachian Association of Sacred Harp Singers, was called to order at 9:03 a.m. by Ron Pen. Ron made a few announcements about the singing, its history, the schedule and facilities, and thanked members of the organizing committee who worked behind the scenes in preparation for the singing. The Sacred Harp, 1991 Edition and Southern Harmony were used throughout the day. Jim Thobaben offered the morning prayer.

Leaders: Ron Pen 24b, 73b; Jim Thobaben 128; Tim Gregg 68b; Adrian Eldridge 441; Joy Dunn 66; Tim Morton 254 (SoH); John Hoerr 171; Amy Pemberton 457; Jake Patty and Adrian Eldridge 146; Mary Brinkman 313b; Erin Fulton 83b; Ray Rechenberg 148; Kathy Sweeton and Randy Webber 236; Randy Webber “Nall” (scored by Randy Webber); Nathaniel Brown 178.

RECESS

Susan Liddle called the class back together by leading 497. Leaders: Gabby Manion and Grant Holcomb 49t; Ron Pen 455; Tim Gregg 299; Adrian Eldridge 475; Joy Dunn 40; Tim Morton 434; John Hoerr 448b; Amy Pemberton 117; Jake Patty and Adrian Eldridge 47b; Mary Brinkman 147t; Erin Fulton 19t (SoH); Ray Rechenberg 276; Kathy Sweeton and Randy Webber 277; Randy Webber 504; Nathaniel Brown 377; Susan Liddle 86.

RECESS

Ray Rechenberg called the class back together by leading 87. Leaders: Michele Cull 300; Annaliza Cull 448t; Rob Coulston and baby Emilija 31t; Ron Pen 524.

Randy Webber shared comments about having been involved in sports, specifically boxing. He likened boxing to being one dimension of life, and how we will all eventually lose. He then read the names of the sick and shut-ins: Jesse Vear and Denise Kania. Erin Fulton led 279 for them. Ray Rechenberg led 285t for Brenda Rechenberg. Amy Pemberton called 105 for A. Robert Pemberton, led by Randy Webber.

Randy then conducted the memorial lesson. Philip Denney, a Georgian, had worked for the Sacred Harp Publishing Company and died in 2022 from cancer. Erin Fulton led 120 for Philip. George Liddle, Susan Liddle’s father, was a Californian and died in 2022 from cancer at the age of 95. Susan led 45t for him. Lydia Lewallen, a North Carolinian who died in 2022, had been a Sacred Harp singer who attended many singings and was well-known and well-liked. She was particularly fond of 198, which Tim Morton led for her. Hubert Nall, an Alabamian, had done a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistical work for more than one National Sacred Harp Convention. Hubert died in February of 2023 at the age of 92. Randy led 322 (SoH) for Hubert. That concluded the memorial lesson.

LUNCH

Tim Gregg called the afternoon session to order at 1 p.m. by leading 101t. Leaders: Adrian Eldridge 312t; Tim Morton 310; Joy Dunn and Tim Morton 142; John Hoerr 29b; Tom Morton 209; Michele Cull 313t; Amy Pemberton 312b; Annaliza Cull 408; Mary Brinkman 48b; Erin Fulton 73t; Ray Rechenberg 29t; Kathy Sweeton 107; Randy Webber 38b; Nathaniel Brown 268; Charles Coulston 350; Ron Pen 103 (SoH).

RECESS

Tim Gregg called the final session of the day to order by leading 111b. Leaders: Brenda Waters and Tim Gregg 515; Randy Webber and Elizabeth Campbell 273; Adrian Eldridge and Erin Fulton 77t; Joy Dunn and Adrian Eldridge 481; Mary Brinkman 159; Ray Rechenberg 203; Michele Cull, Annaliza Cull, and Brenda Waters 535; Nathaniel Brown 479; Erin Fulton 328 (SoH); Tom Morton 496; Kathy Sweeton and Randy Webber 49b; Susan Liddle 334; Annaliza Cull 270; Nathaniel Brown 38 (SoH); Adrian Eldridge 133 (SoH); Tim Gregg 59 (SoH). Announcements were made.

Ron Pen led 267 as the closing song. All who wished shared the parting hand. Randy Webber gave the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed at 3:04 p.m.

Chairman and Treasurer—Charles H. Coulston; Secretary—Mary Brinkman