Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The first Magic City Sacred Harp Singing was held at Aveida building on the campus of University of Alabama, Birmingham, on the second Sunday in June. The singing was dedicated to the memory of Joan Aldridge (2021) and Buell Cobb (2025). Both singers were avid supporters of Sacred Harp singing and tradition. Their presence has been, and continues to be, greatly missed.

The class was called to order by Bridge Hill Kennedy by leading the song on page 37b. Bridge welcomed the singers and visitors. Marie Brandis offered the opening prayer. Leaders and selections: Bridge Hill Kennedy and Elene Stovall 36b (in memory of Joan Aldridge); Anna Hinton 142; Ainslie Allen 460; Marie Brandis 30t; Rebekah Gilmore 440; Butch White 313b (in memory of Buell Cobb); Carolyn Thompson 500; Judy Chambless 549; Andy Ditzler and Audrey Brown 121; Jim Carnes 187 (in memory of Buell Cobb); Philip Gilmore 76b; Denney Rogers and Karen Rollins 153; Kassie Smith 137; Stefani Priskos 426t; Jim Neal 406; Glenn Keeton and Laurie Keeton 277; Tim Gregg 138t; David Smead 75 (in memory of Buell Cobb); Robert Chambless 452; Gail Doss 86.

RECESS

The class was brought back together by Stefani Priskos leading 105. Leaders: Erica Hinton 432; Judy Mincey 468; Kennedy Smith 68b; Shawn Taylor 209; David Ivey 473 (in memory of Joan Aldridge); Jesse P Karlsberg 470; Lily Hammond 182; Chris Ballinger 270; Hollie Long 208; Judy Caudle 345b; Owen Stoddard 507; Michele Cull 475; Jeannette DePoy 77t (at the request of UK singers and in memory of Buell Cobb and Amanda Denson); David Carlton 538; Meredith Ivey 311; Zena Tucker 504.

RECESS

Joey Brackner led 45t (in memory of Buell Cobb) to bring the class together. Leaders: Lisa Bennett, David Smead, and Jim Carnes 372.

The memorial lesson was held at this time. Robert Stoddard spoke of Covid restrictions and recalled the depressive feelings of separation. He encouraged everyone to be mindful of those who are sick or homebound and to reach out to them. He read aloud the following list of names of the sick and shut-ins: Lois Hurt, Carnelia van den Doel, Karleen Williams, Dan Phemayotin, Elsa Phemayotin, Beau Caldwell, Nate Green, Margaret Keeton, Marlin Beasley, Darlene Reynolds, Betty Shepherd, Wanda Capps, Joyce Walton, Ed Thacker, Margaret Thacker, Brenda Waters, Sarah Beasley, Janet Fraembs, Jimmie Gilmore, Hailey Reid, and Lucy Heidorn. He led 34t in their honor.

Elizabeth Stoddard spoke in remembrance of sitting on a bench on the easternmost point of the US, watching the sun rise across the ocean, when she received the news of Joan’s passing. Though saddened by the news, it also prompted thoughts of the importance of communication with family and friends. Within the Sacred Harp community, there are many missing faces in the square. She encouraged all the class to make good use of our time here. She read aloud the following list of names of the deceased: Joan Aldridge, Buell Cobb, Julia Poston, Henry Guthery, Teresa Bethune, Chris Shepherd, Pauline Oliver, Joe Jones, and Frances Jones—Alabama; Bob Goodman, Beverly Rollins Thompson, and Susan Morgan—Georgia; Susan Fetcho—California; Chloe Webb—Texas; Reed Schilbach—Washington; Deb McGuire—Massachusetts; Coronne Bryant and RuthAnn Bryant—Maine; John Smead—Missouri; Johanna Fabke—Wisconsin; John Bennett—Germany; Steve Biggs and Rob Mahoney—United Kingdom. Elizabeth led 285t in memory of the deceased. The memorial service was closed in prayer offered by Marie Brandis.

Leaders: Lauren Bock 69b (in memory of Buell Cobb); Bradley Smith 282; Matt Hinton 113; Ann Jett 546; Tom George 316; Richard Ivey 556; Annaliza Cull 273; Sarah Whites-Koditschek 213t; David Brodeur 306; Karen Ivey, Meredith Ivey, and Lucey Rose Karlsberg 532. Marie Brandis asked for a blessing before the noon meal.

LUNCH

The afternoon session began with Judy Caudle leading 111t. Leaders: Blake Sisemore 411; Linda Shea 168; Matthew Leger-Small 183; Nicholas Thompson 288 (in memory of Joan Aldridge); R Anuhea Sebstad 47b; Bridge Hill Kennedy 146; Samantha Adioetomo and Hollie Long 384; Racheal Geary 272; Pippa Stoddard 220; Kate Bergren 434; Sarah George 224; Cindy Tanner 198 (in memory of Joan Aldridge); Lori Graber 314; Robert Stoddard 528; Pam Nunn 362; Miriam Delirium 448t; Larry Ballinger, Katie Ballinger, and Lauren Ballinger 448b; Abigail Cannon 436; Elizabeth Stoddard 124 (in memory of Joan Aldridge); Barbara Swetman 353 (in memory of Buell Cobb and Dan Brittain); Mark Taylor, Beth Branscome, and Karen 63; Elene Stovall and Alison Davis 228 (in memory of Joan Aldridge); Matthew Leger-Small, Linda Shea, Anuhea Sebstad, and Kate Bergren 58; Beth Branscome, Mark Taylor, and Karen 569b; Alex Forsyth 326 (in memory of Buell Cobb); Marie Brandis 328; Lily Hammond 455; Gail Doss 547; Owen Stoddard 503; Tim Gregg 423 (in memory of Buell Cobb); Michele Cull and Annaliza Cull 454 (in memory of Joan Aldridge); David Carlton 421; Cindy Tanner and Ainslie Allen 498; Jim Pate 358; Mary Beth Garrison 472.

Bridge Hill Kennedy led 155 as the closing song. Marie Brandis offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chair—Bridge Hill Kennedy; Secretaries—Anna Hinton and Ainslie Allen