Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 37th annual Illinois Sacred Harp Convention was called to order by Eric Morgan leading 59. The opening prayer was offered by LaMar Schlabach. Jonathon Smith led 47t and made opening remarks. The nominating committee presented the following slate of officers: Chairman—Eric Morgan; Vice Chairman—Jonathon Smith; Secretary—Martha Tyner; Treasurer—Mark Graber. The slate was approved by unanimous vote.

Leaders: Lori Graber 155, 327; Erik Schwab 40, 39t; Alice Bean 276, 34b; Ginny Landgraf 6 (MH), 135 (MH); Lori Rodgers 503, 556; Terry Hogg 523, 535; David Hand 100, 282; Donna Sewell 171, 146; Barbara Lehr 288, 45t; Sarah Lynne Gershon 455, 84.

RECESS

The class was called back to order by Jonathon Smith leading 52b. Leaders: Janet Morgan 77t, 480; Thomas Koehnline 326, 227; Martha Tyner 479, 147t; Andy Earnest 47b, 159; Eric Morgan 82t, 300.

Erik Schwab conducted the memorial lesson, reminding us of the lessons about isolation learned during the pandemic and encouraging us to reach out to those who cannot join us in person. He read the following names of the sick and shut-ins: Janet Fraembs, Peggy Brayfield, Karen Frank, Emily Bean, Vicki Woodard, Bill Shaffer, Paul Figura, Shirley Figura, Dave Ressler, Prisca Rice, Dominique Coulet. Erik led 129.

In memory of those now deceased, Erik read the following list of names: Frank Fraembs, Peter Frank—Illinois; Curtis Cook—Indiana; Christian Camlin—Missouri; Mary Krogness—Ohio; Ted Lewis—Minnesota; Dan Brittain, Lloyd Caldwell—Arkansas; Ozella Blackmon—Alabama; Beverly Thompson—Georgia; Mary Ellen Wilkinson—Oklahoma; Dr. Karen Hand—New Mexico; Reed Schilbach—Washington, and led 353. LaMar Schlabach closed the memorial service with prayer.

Leaders: Jonathon Smith 440; Lori Graber 2 (MH), 10 (MH); Alice Bean 138 (MH), 180 (MH); Lori Rodgers 270, 99; Ginny Landgraf 433, 351; David Hand 358, 63. LaMar Schlabach offered Grace.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Eric Morgan leading 335. Leaders: Sarah Lynne Gershon 127 (MH), 159 (MH); Erik Schwab 113 (MH), 177 (MH); Terry Hogg 13 (MH), 163b; Donna Sewell 460, 31t; Thomas Koehnline 353, 338; Janet Morgan 448t, 76b; Martha Tyner 454, 128; Lamar Schlabach 48t, 68b; Joshua Joy 178, 107.

RECESS

The final session of the day began with Jonathon Smith leading 424. Leaders: Lori Graber 464; Eric Morgan 236; Lori Rodgers 235; Ryan Hill 148; Ginny Landgraf 77 (MH); Sarah Lynne Gershon 547; David Hand 73t; Erik Schwab 317; Jonathon Smith 268; Donna Sewell 73b; Terry Hogg 36b.

Eric Morgan thanked all who contributed to the success of the day, including all in attendance, especially those who travelled significant distances, and in particular the Food Committee (Mark and Lori Graber) and all who brought food, Arranging Committee-Jonathon Smith, Pitching: Erik Schwab and Ginny Landgraf; Chaplain Lamar Schlabach. It was resolved to meet again in one year. The Arranging Committee reported nineteen leaders and eighty-one songs. The Treasurer reported that our expenses were met. Announcements were made.

Leaders: Eric Morgan 532; Thomas Koehnline 285t; Joshua Joy 285b; Lamar Schlabach 112.

The class sang 347 as the closing song while taking the parting hand. Lamar Schlabach offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Eric Morgan; Secretary—Martha Tyner