Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Dallas Sacred Harp Singing Convention was held at the Cochran Chapel United Methodist Church on the first Saturday in November. The class was welcomed and called to order by Rick Foreman leading 492 and 32b. Scott Buie offered the opening prayer. The class voted to offer today’s singing in memory of Cheryl Foreman, longtime beloved member of this Convention and former president.

Leaders: Ivy Hauser 52t; Diane Ross 543; Michael McBride 178; Stina Soderling 35; Jerry Ryan 274t; Garrett Powell 176b; Larkin Ross 40; Brody Ross 146; Tristan Gordan 29t; Donna McKay 28t; Owen Ross and Larkin Ross 299; Ryan Ross 273; Barbara Smith 504; Donald Ross 225t; Elizabeth Kirkland 183; Sarah Hood 86; Esther Craven 388; Ainsley Ross and Ryan Ross 454.

RECESS

Rick Foreman brought the class back to order leading 313b. Leaders: Silas Huckaby 430; Allison Langston 457; Kristie Powell 500; Beverly Coates 499; Cory Winters 189; Chris Nicholson 212.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Reverend Owen Ross. He led 31t for the following sick and shut-ins: Leon Ballinger, Becca Short, Nate Green, Mary Ellen Wilkinson, Dan Brittain, and Syd Caldwell.

Owen then quoted his grandfather, Curtis Owen, about why he liked Sacred Harp singing: because of the people who sing it, because of the songs they sing, and because of the way they sing them. Owen talked about each of these in reverse order, ending by talking about the singers on the deceased list and their contribution to this historic sacred tradition. He then led 62 in memory of the following: Cheryl Foreman, Charlotte Powell, Curtis Jones, Josh Martin, Eva Striebeck, Hubert Nall, Norma Green, and Gaston White. Owen Ross closed the memorial service with a prayer.

Leaders: Abby Huckaby 442; Tammy Powell 472; Tom Owen 480; Robert Vaughn 74b; Sarah Huckaby 568; Gaylon Powell 564. Tom Owen asked the blessing on the mid-day meal.

LUNCH

Ivy Hauser brought the class back to order leading 277. Leaders: Allison Langston 306; Cory Winters 318; Leland Ross 309; Silas Huckaby 168; Brody Ross 406; Brooke Robb and Kristie Powell 73t; Ainsley Ross 445; Chris Nicholson 348b; Abby Huckaby 142; Garrett Powell 30b; Robert Vaughn 72b; Gaylon Powell 532; Triston Gordon 426t; Ryan Ross 294; Tom Owen 338; Donna McKay 503; Sarah Huckaby 475; Donald Ross 546; Tammy Powell 344.

RECESS

Abby Huckaby brought the class back to order leading 39t. Leaders: Stina Soderling 76b; Beverly Coates 228; Michael McBride 107; Barbara Smith 49t; Kristie Powell 110; Jerry Ryan 145t; Diane Ross 350; Brooke Robb 61; Owen Ross 198; Avon Miller 411: Allison Langston 179; Cory Winters 106. The convention officers closed the convention leading 549. Scott Buie led the closing prayer.

Chairman—Rick Foreman; Vice Chairman—Ivy Hauser; Secretary and Arranging—Diane Ross