Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The Rogers Memorial Sacred Harp Singing was held at Ephesus School in Roopville, Georgia, on the first Sunday in March. Denney Rogers called the class to order at 10:00 a.m. by leading 31b. Philip Gilmore offered the morning prayer. Scott Ivey led 33b followed by Karen Rollins who led 34b. A short business session was then held with re-election of the same officers. Judy Chambless agreed to serve as Arranger. Denney Rogers, as Mayor of Ephesus, welcomed the singers to the city of Ephesus.

Leaders and selections: Judy Chambless 37b; Nathan Rees 48t; Lee Denney 120 (in memory of Philip Denney); Pam Nunn 224; Lisa Bennett 172 (in memory of Beverly Rollins Thompson); Mammie Sisemore 59; Marty Wootten 312b; Robert Chambless 225t; Sherry Lovvorn 454; Elene Stovall 182; Myron House 191; Loyd Ivey 99; Cheyenne Ivey 432; Oscar McGuire and Margie Smith 475; Jan House 107.

RECESS

Rodney Ivey led 389 to bring the class together. Leaders: Rodney Ivey and Linda Thomas 314 (for Pauline Oliver); Winfred Kerr 500; Sarah George 460; Sharon DuPriest 208; Jordan McGuire 143; Karen’s family (Barry Rollins, Randa Rollins Harris, Ellie Harris, Elijah Harris, and Ava Harris) [345t-1991-1991] and 268; Jack Nelson 228.

The memorial lesson was then held. Lisa Bennett talked about the importance of sending cards, calling, and reaching out to those who are unable to sing with us and she led 52b for the following sick and shut-ins: Margaret Thacker, Ed Thacker, Joyce Walton, Darrell Parker, Ernestine Parker, David Light, Wanda Capps, Jack Nelson, Teresa Bethune, Pauline Oliver, Karleen Rogers Williams, Judy Henry, Don Bowen, Donna Duke, Donna Bell, Shawn Taylor, Lois Lee Ramsey, Beau Caldwell, Betty Shepherd, Mike Hinton, Leon Ballinger, Jan Cammon Harrison, and Nate Green.

Lisa then said a few words about Beverly Thompson who led her last song at this singing in 2024. She spoke words of comfort to the bereaved and led 275t for the following deceased singers and friends: Earl Ballinger, William and Virginia Futral, Henry Guthery, Malik Williams, Ozella Blackmon, and Julia Poston—Alabama; Tony Rogers, Beverly Rollins Thompson, Sylvia Tyree, and Danny Griffin—Georgia; John Smead—Missouri; Merle Denney—South Carolina. Judy Chambless closed the memorial lesson with prayer.

Leaders: Philip Gilmore 47b (in memory of Lonnie Rogers); Phillip Langley 430; Lauren Bock 212; Nicholas Thompson 436; Charlotte Bishop 335; Shane Wootten 324.

LUNCH

Chair Denney Rogers began the afternoon session by leading 159. Leaders: Stanley Smith 564 (for Syd Caldwell); Blake Sisemore 380; Judy Caudle 455; Donna Wootten 123t; Tom George 202; Rebekah Gilmore 220; David Smead 450; Abigail Cannon 187; Cecil Roberts 229; Reba Windom 411; Jesse P. Karlsberg 302; Sharon Whitehead 112; Erica Hinton 105; Bill DuPre 385t; Sheri Taylor 385b; Jamey Wootten 495; Marilyn Bradley 124; Kasey Cook and Lee Denney 405; Matt Hinton 138t; John Plunkett 197. Karen Rollins, Paige Harrod, Sherry Lovvorn and Denney Rogers led 222 for their sister, Karleen Williams. Announcements were made.

The officers led 46 as the closing song. The class was dismissed with prayer offered by Cecil Roberts.

Chairman—Denney Rogers; Vice Chairman—Scott Ivey; Secretary—Karen Rollins