Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 134th session of the Cotaco Convention singing was held on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in July. The class was called to order by Nicholas Thompson leading 121. The opening prayer was offered by Elder Daniel Hopper.

Leaders: Nicholas Thompson 76b (in memory of J.L. Hopper); Judy Caudle 74t; Jaidyn Stump 218; Tom Booth 148; Nancy Phillips 282; Taylor Cook 59; Zena Tucker 101t; Tim Gregg 68b; Cindy Tanner 182 (in memory of Becky Browne and Melanie Hauff); Rebekah Gilmore 187; Ann Jett 546; Glenn Keeton 349; Emily Stutzman 460; Daniel Hopper 515; Mark Davis 47b; Amber Davis 380; Lori Rogers 556; Susan Allred 183; Sarah George 530.

RECESS

The class was brought back together by Jaidyn Stump leading 429. In a business session, the class voted to dedicate this session of the Cotaco Singing to the memory of Elder J.L. Hopper, and wife Glenda. Leaders: Nicholas Thompson and Judy Caudle 76t; Lisa Geist 273 (in memory of Gravis Ballinger on his birthday); Isaac Green 420; Dennis George 487; Earl Ballinger 317; Linda Thomas 32t; Blake Sisemore 532; Cheyenne Ivey 432; Chris Ballinger 178; Craig Holmes 535; Henry McGuire 442; Elene Stovall 192 (in memory of Becky Browne and Melanie Hauff); Beth Branscome 217; Barrett Patton 411; Hazel Heinze 145t; Tom George 543. Philip Gilmore asked a blessing before the noon meal at the tables.

LUNCH

Nicholas Thompson began the afternoon session by leading 120. Leaders: Nicholas Thompson 304; Brenda Chafin 436; Rachel Pirkey 209; Marlin Beasley 336; David Light 200; Philip Gilmore 216; Reba Windom 430; Garrett Morton 196; Larry Ballinger 527; Adrian Eldridge 498; Butch White 313b; Henry Guthery 456; Linda Booth 454; Nicholas Thompson, Blake Sisemore, Daniel Hopper, Garrett Morton, Adrian Eldridge, and Tom George 198 (all wearing ties from Elder Hopper’s collection); Mark Davis and Henry McGuire 189; Barrett Patton and Emily Stutzman 528; Jaidyn Stump and Taylor Cook 159; Ann Jett, Cindy Tanner, and Tim Gregg 146; Philip Gilmore, Rebekah Gilmore, and Travis McCay 277.

The memorial lesson was held at this time. Judy Caudle read aloud the following list of names of the sick and shut-ins: Sharon DuPriest, Richard Mauldin, Ozella Blackmon, Betty Shepherd, Darrell Parker, Ernestine Parker, Estes Jackson, Ercell Jackson, Lucy Heidorn, Wanda Capps, Edna Smith, Sandra Light, Ramona Light, Ed Thacker, Margaret Thacker, Chita Blakeley, Jerry Kitchens, Margaret Keeton, David Carlton, and Kimberly Nutter. She then read aloud the following list of names of the deceased: Elder J.L. Hopper, Hubert Nall, Doug Ivey, Norma Green, Boyd Scott, Jeff Holmes, Anita Holmes, Nellie Joyce Williams, Marlon Wootten, Juanita Beasley, Renae Makris—Alabama; Becky Browne—Missouri; Melanie Hauff and Ted Mercer—Illinois; Philip Denney—Georgia; Lydia Lewallen—North Carolina; Cheryl Foreman, Landis Powell, and Charlotte Powell—Texas; Sue Bunch—Florida. Judy and Nicholas led 459. Elder Daniel Hopper closed the memorial service with prayer.

Leaders: Dennis George, Tom George, James George, and Sarah George 172; Larry Ballinger, Lisa Geist, Chris Ballinger, and Earl Ballinger 472; Brenda Chafin, Susan Allred, and Rachel Pirkey 503 (for Carol Fannin); Blake Sisemore, Garrett Morton, Reba Windom and Cheyenne Ivey 30b; Adrian Eldridge 208 (in memory of Darrell Swarens); Zena Tucker, Lori Rogers, and Beth Branscome 47t; Daniel Hopper and Judy Caudle 450, 276, 149 (in memory of J.L. and Glenda Hopper). Announcements were made.

Nicholas Thompson led 323t as the closing song. Dennis George offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Nicholas Thompson; Arranging—Jaidyn Stump; Secretary—Judy Caudle