Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 8th annual Victorian All-Day Singing was held at the bluestone hall of Brunswick Uniting Church, Brunswick, Victoria, Australia. The outgoing Chair, Shawn Whelan, welcomed singers and offered an Acknowledgement of Country.

Natalie Sims taught an introductory singing school on the rudiments of Sacred Harp singing and practice. She also spoke on the role of shape note singing as a literacy movement, as a teaching tool, and the importance of hospitality in the tradition.

Shawn Whelan led 31t as the opening song. Morag Logan offered the opening prayer by leading the class in 148. Leaders: Lauren Reader 36t; Peter Rayner 95; Natalie Sims 32b; Myfanwy Godfrey 146; Meg Quinlisk 47t; Melanie Albrecht 203.

A business session was held and the following officers and committee members were elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Shawn Whelan; Secretary—Lauren Reader; Chaplains—Morag Logan and Peter Rayner; Treasurer—Melanie Albrecht; Arranging Committee—Melanie Albrecht and Natalie Sims; Registration Committee—Myfanwy Godfrey and Felomena Li; Food Coordinator—Naomi Colville.

RECESS

Shawn Whelan led 297 to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Morag Logan 472; Em Chandler 155; Lauren Reader 99; Stu Elith and Natalie Sims 547; Aaron Jelbart and Shawn Whelan 282; Peter Rayner 201; Natalie Sims 410t; Meg Quinlisk 497; Myfanwy Godfrey 535; Melanie Albrecht 34t; Shawn Whelan 56b; Morag Logan 551; Em Chandler and Lauren Reader 344; Lauren Reader 460; Stu Elith and Shawn Whelan 178; Aaron Jelbart and Shawn Whelan 72b; Peter Rayner 84; Natalie Sims 228; Meg Quinlisk 182; Myfanwy Godfrey 277. Morag Logan offered grace before the meal by leading the class in 49t.

LUNCH

Melanie Albrecht led 312b to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Shawn Whelan 475; Lauren Reader 457; Myfanwy Godfrey 38b; Chris Phillips and Melanie Albrecht 455; Meg Quinlisk 474; Natalie Sims 481; Aaron Jelbart and Lauren Reader 66; Em Chandler and Melanie Albrecht 40; Peter Rayner 183; Melanie Albrecht 348t; Shawn Whelan 540; Lauren Reader 112; Myfanwy Godfrey 107; Chris Phillips 324.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Peter Rayner. The following deceased were remembered and honoured: Maggie Murphy, Jane Garrett, Jenny Hunter, Helen Wilkinson, Neil Thompson, Ian Breward. Melanie Albrecht led 163t. The following sick and shut in were named: Helen Rowe, Robin Gardner, Jennifer Jones, Robert Colville, Joseph Jordania, Bernice Dodd. Melanie Albrecht led 34b.

Leaders: Meg Quinlisk 110; Natalie Sims 254; Aaron Jelbart and Lauren Reader 47b; Em Chandler 395.

RECESS

Peter Rayner led 159 to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Chris Phillips 209; Ruth McNamara and Alex McNamara 274t; Lauren Reader 122; Shawn Whelan 106; Myfanwy Godfrey 268; Meg Quinlisk 452; Natalie Sims 504; Em Chandler, Naomi Colville, Ruth McNamara, and Lauren Reader 299; Aaron Jelbart and Lauren Reader 276; Melanie Albrecht 430.

Shawn Whelan thanked those who worked to make the All-Day Singing happen, including officers, committee members, and singing school teacher. The Secretary reported that at least twenty-two singers from two states had sung sixty-two songs led by twelve leaders. The Treasurer reported that donations had been received and would be directed towards the use of the hall and the purchase of additional singing books. Announcements were made, and thanks were given, especially to the visiting singers.

Shawn Whelan led 340 as the closing song. Peter Rayner offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Shawn Whelan; Secretary—Lauren Reader