Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Oxford Sacred Harp Singing was held in the Lafayette County Arena on the second Sunday in March. The class was called to order by Warren Steel leading 48t and 74b. Garrett Herndon offered the morning prayer. Mark Davis led 114 and 209. Lisa Geist was appointed secretary. Drew McGuire was appointed as arranging committee. Leaders: Mark Davis 103, 42; Anne Steel 318, 73t; Mark Tew 108t, 313t; Garrett Herndon 270, 36b; Lisa Geist 527, 269; Larry Ballinger 97 (for Earl Ballinger), 56t; Drew McGuire 421, 30b; Will McGuire 181, 121; Susan Dickey 81t, 59; Charlie McGuire 398, 292; Curtis Gregory 323b, 341.

RECESS

Drew McGuire brought the class to order leading 373. Leaders: Henry McGuire 498, 56b; Will Gatewood 450, 460; Chuck Howell 440, 569b; Kim Funderburk 47b, 72b; Valerie Gatewood 49b, 143; Suzy Bishop 312t, 354b; Warren Steel 229, 228; Mark Davis 472, 283; Anne Steel 512, 348b.

LUNCH

Warren Steel called the afternoon session to order leading 396. A brief memorial lesson was held, commemorating those deceased since March 2023, including Ester Mann, Bobby Neyman, Dan Brittain, Cora Sweatt, Marlon Wootten and Joan Ward. The following sick and shut-ins were also remembered Liz Van Horn and Earl Ballinger. Mark Davis led 65.

Leaders: Mark Tew 203, 406; Garrett Herndon 120, 481; Lisa Geist 276, 528; Larry Ballinger 448t, 448b; Drew McGuire 134, 475; Susan Dickey 49t, 128; Connor Foley 127, 61; Curtis Gregory 40, 119; Henry McGuire 536, 60; Will Gatewood 361, 362; Chuck Howell 84, 63; Kim Funderburk 135, 312b; Valerie Gatewood 198, 159.

Following announcements, the officers led 288 as the closing song, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Mark Davis.

Chairman—Warren Steel; Vice Chairman—Mark Davis; Secretary—Lisa Geist