Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Huntsville Sacred Harp Singing was held at the Old Country Church, Burritt on the Mountain, Huntsville, Alabama, on Saturday before the first Sunday in May.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Judy Caudle. She read the following list of names of the sick and shut-ins: Nate Green, Darrell Parker, Earnestine Parker, Betty Shepherd, Ed Thacker, Margaret Thacker, Nora Parker, Wanda Capps, Jesse Roberts, and Joyce Walton.

Judy read the following list of names of the deceased: Buell Cobb, Ozella Blackmon, Earl Ballinger, Henry Guthery, Julia Poston, Chris Shepherd, Pauline Oliver, Malik Williams—Alabama; Beverly Rollins Thompson and Susan Morgan—Georgia; Johanna Fabke—Wisconsin; Chloe Webb—Texas; Susan Fetcho—California; Sarah Harwell—Tennessee; John Smead—Missouri; Bernard Collard and Michael Kennedy—United Kingdom.

Judy spoke about the memorial lesson stating that it is a time to reflect and remember. There are many songs in the Sacred Harp that speak of death and dying (“Passing Away”, “When I Am Gone”, “World Unknown”). Singing these songs brings mortality into light and serves as a reminder that time on earth is fleeting and full of trials. But there are other songs in the Sacred Harp that speak of hope (“The Better Land”, “Heaven’s My Home”, “Peace and Joy”). Judy led 499, and Charles McCravy closed the memorial service with prayer.

Submitted by Minutes Book Editor—Judy Caudle