Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Saturday, August 1

The one hundred twenty-fourth session of the Warrior River Convention and the ninety-ninth session of the Clear Creek Convention was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Terry Hullett leading song on page 59. The morning prayer was led by Lamar Smith. Terry Hullett led songs on pages 30b and 166. Leaders: Jewel Wootten 87, 32t; Milton Oliver 30t, 37b; Waylon Blakeley 138t, 75; Linda Thomas 48t; Carmon Brothers 495, 167; Freeman Wootten 426t; Chita Blakeley 123t, 430; Martha Woodard 274t.

RECESS

Singing resumed with Terry Hullett leading song on page 106. Leaders: Hershell King 163t, 340; Carmon Brothers 333 (by request for Evie Blackwood, Doris Brown, and Billie Dean Waid); Dan Hopper 34t, 77t; Betty Wright 347; Linda Hopper 84, 310; Lamar Smith 76b, 343; Rhoda Norris 208, 432; Judy Caudle 489, 365; Cassie Franklin 39t, 74b; Elder J.L. Hopper 117, 71; Eloise Avery 348b, 460; Bud Oliver 47t, 42; Elder Marshall Avery 40, 46; Cindy Franklin 317, 336.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was brought to order by Terry Hullett leading songs on pages 64 and 142.

A move and second was made to go into a business session. The devotion was given by Elder Marshall Avery. He spoke of the decline in attendance of our singings, and the absence of so many we have sung with, and encouraged everyone to encourage young people and show our appreciation to them. Elder Marshall Avery led song on page 159, and offered prayer.

The following officers were elected or appointed: Chairman—Terry Hullett; Vice Chairman—Waylon Blakeley; Secretary—Jewel Wootten; Arranging Committee—Milton Oliver and Carmon Brothers; Memorial Committee—Linda Thomas and Elder Philip Gilmore; Resolution Committee—Chita Blakeley and Helen Lambert; Finance Committee—Carmon Brothers and Bud Oliver.

Leaders: Helen Lambert 441, 285 (t? b?); S.T. Reed 43, 44; Buckley Hopper 300, 268; Willard Hopper and Rhoda Norris 384, 448t; Linda Thomas and Cassie Franklin 503; Terry Hullett “That Beautiful Land” (by request); Martha Woodard 481.

Terry Hullett and Waylon Blakeley led song on page 45t for the closing song. The closing prayer was led by Elder J.L. Hopper.

Sunday, August 2

The Sunday session was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Terry Hullett leading song on page 32t. The morning prayer was led by Lamar Smith. Terry Hullett led song on page 101t. Leaders: Waylon Blakeley 314, 358; Jewel Wootten 63, 145b; Cecil Gilliland 290; Ester Brown 460 (for Alpha Black), 318; Arvid Holmes 171, 155; Paul Gilliland 490, 176b; Martha Woodard 428, 74t; Milton Oliver 321; Lamar Smith 36b; Chita Blakeley 67, 39b; Nancy Thompson 334, 332.

RECESS

Singing resumed with Terry Hullett leading song on page 203. Leaders: Kyle Blakeley 313 (t? b?), 76b; Brandon Thompson 274t, 354 (t? b?); Gavin Blakeley 282, 101t; Jonathon Thompson 84, 384; Willie Mae Moon 441, 217 (in memory of Mae Seymour); Freeman Wootten 37b; Betty Wright “Jesus Died For Me”, 347; Billy Williams 297, 299; Judy Caudle 120, 448b; Wilda Holmes 480, 295; Roie Alexander and Jewel Wootten 145t, 144.

The memorial lesson was held by Elder Philip Gilmore and Linda Thomas, and then led song on page 45t for the following deceased: Mae Seymour, Gene Phillips, Eugene Blackwood, Ozetta Gilliland (who was 100 years old), Nora Collett, Jerry Sheppard, A.W. Stanson, Keterina Sanders, Jessie Walker, and Claude Moon.

Freeman Wootten and Jewel Wootten led song on page 146 for the following sick and shut-ins: Elder and Mrs. J.O. Handley, J.L. Oden, Mary Oden, Lawrence Underwood, Lula Underwood, Virgil Phillips, Ruby Phillips, Alpha Black, Herbert Phillips, Johnnie Blakeley, Vera Blakeley, Sue Conn, Jap Walton, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Harden, Alice Washburn, Mozelle Sheppard, and Lillie Lybrand.

The memorial was closed with prayer by Elder Philip Gilmore.

LUNCH

The afternoon session began with Terry Hullett leading song on page 222. Leaders: Helen Lambert 277, 385t; Susan Harcrow 29t, 224; Elder Philip Gilmore 47b, 68b; Carmon Brothers 119, 72b; Ron Crocker 48t, 47b; Judy Caudle and Willard Hopper 80b, 212; Ester Brown 273 (in memory of Ozetta Gilliland who was a member of Clear Creek Church 66 years).

A business session was held. It was brought before the convention to cut the convention days from two to one. After discussion, it was voted to have the convention on Saturday only, Saturday before the first Sunday in August since so many have passed away or are unable to attend. The 1999 session will be held at Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church, Oneonta, Alabama.

The Resolutions Committee report was given by Helen Lambert.

First, be it resolved that we will always be found expressing a feeling of thanks to Almighty God for His abundant mercies.

Second, to all who have given so much in the past that we might be able to come together to sing praises to God and who continue on the same path today.

Third, we thank the host church of Old Clear Creek, the officers, those who brought food, and the listeners.

May we resolve to put aside those hindrances in the coming year, if possible, and attend more Sacred Harp singings.

Respectfully submitted: Chita Blakeley and Helen Lambert.

The Finance Committee reported a balance brought forward of $143.72, a collection of $90.00, an expenditure of $60.00 for the minutes, gift to the church of $60.00, leaving a balance of $113.72. The business session was closed.

Terry Hullett and Waylon Blakeley led song on page 31t as the closing song. The class was dismissed with prayer by Elder Philip Gilmore.

Chairman—Terry Hullett; Vice Chairman—Waylon Blakeley; Secretary—Jewel Wootten.