Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Denney Memorial was held on Saturday before the first Sunday in November. The class was called to order by Wyatt Denney leading 284. Robert Chambless offered the opening prayer.

Leaders: Wyatt Denney 61; Karis Askin 47t, 48t; Lee Denney 294, 155; Kacy Cook 68b, 59; Denney Rogers 345t, 143; Karen Rollins 489, 171; Winfred Kerr 36b, 225t; Mathias Ghesquiere 27, 122; Erin Fulton 123b, 60; Jeannette Depoy 387, 475; Robert Chambless 84, 303.

RECESS

Wyatt Denney brought the class back to order leading 77t. The class entered into a business session and elected the following officers: Chairman—Wyatt Denney; Co-Chairman—Karis Askin; Arranging Officer—Judy Chambless; Secretary—Laura Frey. Leaders: Bill Dupre 426t, 65; Mamie Sisemore 37b; Erica Hinton 492; Lisa Bennett 163b (in memory of John Smead), 208; Glenda Collins 99, 76b; Andy Ditzler 81b, 322; Cecil Roberts 312b, 30t; Tom George and James George 186, 379.

Denney Rogers led the memorial lesson, reflecting on the blessings of being raised in a large family in the south. He spoke of the close personal losses he has faced recently and the significance of preserving the legacies of those who have passed. Denney emphasized that while not everyone may have large families nearby, the Sacred Harp Community provides that sense of belonging and family connection with each other. He highlighted that even though we may not be related by blood, our shared passion for singing Sacred Harp unites us as a family, and we cherish one another with love. He read the following names of the sick and shut-ins: Jack Nelson, Don Bowen, Karleen Williams, Joyce Walton, Henry Lihnsee, Chris Shepherd, Betty Shepherd, Melissa Howrey, Brenda Waters, Tom Waggener, Bill Denney.

He then read the following names of the deceased: John Smead, Beverly Rollins Thompson, William Futral, Tommie Spurlock, Henry Guthery, Earl Ballinger, Curtis Cook, William Ralph Paris, Malik Williams, Dan Brittain, Susan Morgan, Merle Denney, Bob Goodman, Jean Toole. Denney read the following scripture from Philippians 3:20 “In heaven we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” and led 119 in remembrance of those listed above. Cecil Roberts closed the memorial lesson with prayer.

Shawn Taylor led 306 and 409. Keith Horsely asked for a blessing for lunch.

LUNCH

Karis Askin brought the afternoon class back to order by leading 106. Leaders: David Brodeur 120 (in memory of Philip Denney); Anna Hinton 430; Judy Mincey 295; Lauren Bock and Lucey Karlsberg 274t; Bridge Hill Kennedy 103; Nathan Rees 181; David Smead 436; Burt Collins 542; Sasha Hsuczyk 521 (in memory of Philip Denney); Matt Hinton 224; Sarah Whites-Koditschek 299; Sarah George 298; Blake Sisemore 138b; Pam Nunn 216; Laura Frey 178 (in memory of Rudy Webb); Abigail Cannon 500; Sheri Taylor 209; Reba Windom 384; Jesse P. Karlsberg 371; Karis Askin, Kacey Cook, Gail Denney, Lee Denney, Wyatt Denney, and Kelly Denney 87; Erin Fulton 329; Mathias Ghesquiere 282. Announcements were made.

Wyatt Denney and Karis Askin expressed their gratitude to everyone for their attendance and continued support. They then led 294 as the closing hymn. The class concluded with a prayer offered by Lee Denney.

Chairman—Wyatt Denney; Co-Chairman—Karis Askin; Secretary—Laura Frey