Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 9th annual Victorian All-Day Singing was held at the bluestone hall of Brunswick Uniting Church, Sydney Road, Brunswick, Victoria (Australia).

The outgoing Chairman, Shawn Whelan, led 31t as the opening song. Shawn welcomed singers and then taught an introductory singing school on the history, style and purpose of Sacred Harp singing and practice. The singing school included practice of the major and minor scales and singing of 162.

Leaders: Lauren Reader 49t; Chris Phillips 503; Myfanwy Godfrey 178; Angharad Davis 176b; Aaron Jelbart 535; Grant Diffey 268; Meg Quinlisk 344; Natalie Sims 448b.

A business session was held and the following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Melanie Albrecht; Deputy Chairman—Natalie Sims; Secretary—Lauren Reader; Chaplain and Memorial Lesson—Chris Phillips; Treasurer—Myfanwy Godfrey; Arranging Committee—Angharad Davis and Natalie Sims; Registration Committee—Ian Mack; Food Coordinator—Myfanwy Godfrey. Melanie Albrecht led 47b.

RECESS

Shawn Whelan led 540 to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Lauren Reader 276; Grant Diffey 236; Chris Phillips 148; Meg Quinlisk 110; Natalie Sims 26; Myfanwy Godfrey 146; Angharad Davis 204; Aaron Jelbart 282; Shawn Whelan 475; Lauren Reader 99; Meg Quinlisk 492; Natalie Sims 224; Grant Diffey 271b; Chris Phillips 347; Aaron Jelbart 45t; Myfanwy Godfrey 38t; Angharad Davis 349; Shawn Whelan 348t; Meg Quinlisk 380. Chris Phillips offered a blessing before the meal.

LUNCH

Lauren Reader led 131b to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Chris Phillips and Alexis Halversen 254; Shawn Whelan 56b; Jill Griffiths 84; Angharad Davis 387; Meg Quinlisk 198; Natalie Sims 112; Shawn Whelan 142; Myfanwy Godfrey 277; Lauren Reader 472; Chris Phillips 319; Angharad Davis 553; Meg Quinlisk 550; Jill Griffiths 117.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Chris Phillips. The following sick and shut-ins were named: Morag Logan, Peter Rayner, Naomi Colville, Guinefort, Penni Diffey, Margaret Davis, and Em Chandler. Chris Phillips led 400. The following deceased were remembered and honoured: Amanda Stevenson, Tom Whelan, Kwajo Mensa, Rosemary Crossley, Neil Thompson, Catherine McLean. Lauren Reader led 122.

Leaders: Natalie Sims 32b; Angharad Davis 34t; Shawn Whelan 430; Myfanwy Godfrey 288; Meg Quinlisk 432.

RECESS

Chris Phillips led 311 to bring the class back to order. Leaders: Natalie Sims 269; Lauren Reader 299; Jill Griffiths 155; Meg Quinlisk 383; Myfanwy Godfrey 203; Shawn Whelan 567; Angharad Davis 500; Chris Phillips 442; Natalie Sims 547; Lauren Reader 209; Jill Griffiths 40; Angharad Davis and Meg Quinlisk 532; Chris Phillips and Joel Meadows 107; Lauren Reader, Alexis Halversen, Natalie Sims and Angharad Davis 106; Myfanwy Godfrey, Shawn Whelan, Jill Griffiths, Melanie Albrecht, Alexis Halversen, Ruth McNamara and Alex McNamara 274t.

Melanie Albrecht thanked those who worked hard to make the all-day singing happen, including officers, committee members, and the singing school teacher. The Secretary reported that more than Twenty-two singers from two states had sung sixty-six songs led by thirteen leaders. The Treasurer reported that donations had been received. Announcements were made, and thanks were given, especially to the visiting singers.

Melanie Albrecht led 340 as the closing song. Chris Phillips offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairperson—Melanie Albrecht; Deputy Chairperson—Natalie Sims; Secretary—Lauren Reader