Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

Saturday, September 28

The 154th session of the Union Musical Sacred Harp Singing Convention was held on the fifth Sunday and Saturday before in September. The class was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by David Smead leading 52b. Bill DuPre offered the opening prayer.

Lauren Bock directed the introductory lesson. To recognize the upcoming new revision of the Sacred Harp, she led songs that were each added during a different previous revision, and which each demonstrated a different mode of time. Lauren Bock led 569t, 470, 294, 73b, 271t, 376, 360, and 250. Leaders: Lisa Bennett 121, 191; John Plunkett 471, 516; Faye Holbrook 358 (in memory of Ruth Wills), 111b; Bill Dupre 300, 349; Caroline Barron 345t; Chris Tweedy 156; Bert Collins 399b, 399t.

RECESS

David Smead called the class to order leading 108b. Leaders: Oscar McGuire 327, 336; Shawn Taylor 406 (for Jim Neal), 81t.

A business session was held and the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Lauren Bock; Vice Chairman—Shawn Taylor; Secretary/Treasurer—Lisa Bennett; Arranging Committee—John Plunkett and Lisa Bennett; Chaplain—Faye Holbrook; Memorial Committee—Judy Mincey; Finance Committee—Lisa Bennett; Resolutions Committee—David Smead.

Leaders: Lauren Bock 76t; Cooper Sandefur 163t, 168; Jane Cannon 409, 367; Eric Tweedy 200, 442; Jesse Roberts and Brittany Caldwell 47t, 481; Judy Mincey 279, 465.

LUNCH

Lauren Bock called the class to order leading 37b in memory of Malik Williams. Leaders: Glenda Collins 76b, 77t; Jesse P. Karlsberg 402, 558; Esther Morgan-Ellis 176t, 122; Nathan Rees 309, 449; Faye Holbrook 380; David Smead 260; Bill Dupre 178; Jesse Roberts 263; Judy Mincey 504; Oscar McGuire 344; Sasha Hsuczyk 39b, 61, 340; Caroline Barron 388, 398; Burt Collins 542; Shawn Taylor 216; Cooper Sandefur 539; Lisa Bennett 320; Jane Cannon 527; Jesse P. Karlsberg 158; Esther Morgan-Ellis 208. Announcements were made.

Lauren Bock led 209 as the closing song. Faye Holbrook offered the closing prayer.

Sunday, September 29

Lauren Bock called the class to order leading 90. Faye Holbrook offered the opening prayer. Leaders: Lauren Bock 48t; Shawn Taylor 56t, 32t; Lisa Bennett 126, 154; John Plunkett 136, 195; Faye Holbrook 392, 67; Helen Bryson 139, 522; James Burrell 365, 303; Jeanette DePoy 276 (for Bridge Kennedy in memory of Malik Williams), 274t (in memory of Cathy White); David Smead 114, 283 (in memory of Rebecca Over); Jane Cannon 336, 32b (for Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene); Jim Neal 105, 122; Phillip Langley 399b (in memory of Mack Langley), 453.

RECESS

Shawn Taylor called the class back to order leading 277. Leaders: Judy Mincey 511, 351; Oscar McGuire 350, 66; Helen Bryson 313b (for her mother’s birthday), 411; Jim Neal 270, 496.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Judy Mincey. She spoke about isolation and reminded us to contact our friends who are sick and shut-in. The sick and shut-ins list included Don Bowen. Judy Mincey led 50b for the sick and shut-ins. Judy spoke about how we remember the deceased for one year on the memorial list, but we continue to remember after that by telling stories about those who have gone on. The list of the deceased included Malik Williams, Beverly Thompson, Tommie Spurlock, Jean Toole, Dan Brittain, Earl Ballinger, Jeff Begley, Susan Fetcho, and Martha Ann Stegar. Judy Mincey led 176t for the deceased. Jim Neal closed the memorial lesson with prayer.

LUNCH

Lauren Bock brought the class back to order leading 296. Leaders: Lauren Bock 430; Shawn Taylor 131b, 492; Lisa Bennett 245 (in memory of Dan Brittain); John Plunkett 354t, 160b; Faye Holbrook 455, 549; Jeannette DePoy 112 (for Dollie Hudgins), 410t; David Smead 177, 439 (in memory of Earl Ballinger); James Burrell 284, 39t; Jane Cannon 546, 475; Judy Mincey 242 (for Shelbie Sheppard); Oscar McGuire 163b, 515.

The convention entered into a business session for the purpose of hearing reports. The class voted to hold the 155th session of the Union Musical Sacred Harp Convention at Sweetwater Chapel in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on the fifth Sunday and Saturday before in June. Lisa Bennett gave the Financial Report, and reported that expenses were met. The Resolutions Report was presented by David Smead, who thanked everyone who helped in any way to make the convention possible. The reports were approved, and the business session was closed.

After announcements, Lauren Bock and Shawn Taylor led 347 as the closing song. Faye Holbrook offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairperson—Lauren Bock; Vice Chairperson—Shawn Taylor; Secretary/Treasurer—Lisa Bennett