Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The 38th annual Illinois Sacred Harp Convention was called to order by Eric Morgan leading 59. Chaplain LaMar Schlabach offered the opening prayer. The nominating committee presented the following slate of officers: Chair—Erik Schwab; Secretary—Martha Tyner; Treasurer—Mark Graber. The slate was approved by unanimous vote. Erik Schwab welcomed the class and made opening announcements.

Leaders: Jonathon Smith 47t; Lori Graber 2 (MH); LaMar Schlabach 40; Sidra Schkerke 453; Ginny Landgraf 330b; Nicole Muffitt 282; Álvaro Witt Duarte 186; Darrell Lahm 448b; Randy Neufeld 236; Sarah Ward 504; Miles Alexander 143; Dave Barford 56b; Ryan Hill 338; Mark Bowman 344; Scott Stieg 209; Prisca Rice 70b; Keith Seidel 484t; James Page “Sauk Prairie”; Debra Barford 192; Will Fitzgerald 569b; Judy Hauff 216; Samuel Sommers 544; Tim Gregg 115; Laura Mulford and Sarah Ward 159.

RECESS

The class was called back to order by Erik Schwab leading 32t. Leaders: Ginny Landgraf 244; Dimitri Glaros 107; Álvaro Witt Duarte 3 (MH); Nicole Muffitt 122; Ryan Hill 84; Alice Bean 164; Barbara Lehr 34b; Liam Kelly 430; Darrell Lahm 445; LaMar Schlabach 48t; Adrian Eldrige 198; Shannon Tibbs 163b; Randy Neufeld 151 (MH); Thomas Koehnline 37b; Kevin Hamilton and Will Fitzgerald 148; Prisca Rice 89; Dave Barford 493.

Eric Morgan conducted the memorial lesson. He emphasized the importance of this tradition, as we send healing thoughts, songs, and prayers to those who could not be with us this day, to let them know they are remembered. He read these names of the sick and shut-ins: Terry Hogg, Janet Fraembs, Vick Woodard, Sheila Chitwood, Matthew Hofferth, and Carole Briggs. Eric led 34t.

In remembering those now deceased, Eric expressed our grief for their loss, but also our gratitude for having known them and for all that they brought to our lives as they wove together threads of kindness, generosity, faith and this music that brings us together. He read the names of Buell Cobb, Lucy Heidorn, Corbin Sheppard Rodgers, Pauline Oliver—Alabama; Johanna Fabke—Wisconsin, Mike Hinton—Texas, Siena Woestenborg—Washington; Michael Cerbantez—California; Tom Jurgensen—Colorado and led 229. Chaplain LaMar Schlabach closed the memorial lesson with prayer.

Leaders: Lori Graber 147 (MH); Mark Bowman 501b; Sidra Schkerke 357. The Chaplain offered the blessing and class recessed for lunch.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Erik Schwab leading 114. Leaders: Myles Alexander 456; Sarah Ward and Melody Luppino 448t; June Murphy 487; Scott Stieg 455; Tim Gregg 524; Mark Graber and Erik Schwab 178t (for Peggy Peryam); Jonathon Smith 200; Tim Gregg 507; Keith Seidel 102; Eileen Ferguson 51; Samuel Sommers 334; Debra Barford 368; Judy Hauff 68 (MH); James Page 139 (MH); Laura Mulford and Sarah Ward 312b; Liam Kelly and Thomas Koehnline 112; Barbara Lehr and Adrian Eldridge 508; Alice Bean 19 (MH); Dimitri Glaros 183; June Murphy 98; Shannon Tibbs 497b; Liam Kelly 410t.

RECESS

Erik Schwab called the class back together for the final session leading 87. Leaders: Eric Morgan 264; Eileen Ferguson 148 (MH); Myles Alexander 538; Will Fitzgerald 323t; Tim Gregg 223; Scott Stieg 302; Samuel Sommers 386; James Page 45 (MH); Adrian Eldrige and Barbara Lehr 496; Prisca Rice 142; Álvaro Witt Duarte 472; Shannon Tibbs 149; Thomas Koehnline 483; Darrell Lahm 384.

Following announcements of upcoming All-Day Singings and Conventions, the Chair thanked all who contributed to the success of the day, including all in attendance, especially those who traveled significant distances. Special recognition was given to the Food Captain, Lori Graber, Arranging Committee, Jonathon Smith, Chaplain LaMar Schlabach, and Pitching, Samuel Sommers and Ginny Landgraf. The Arranging Committee reported sixty-five singers in attendance from six states, with forty-nine leaders who led eighty-six songs. The Treasurer reported that our expenses were met.

In closing, the class sang 347t while taking the parting hand. The day ended with prayer from Chaplain Lamar Schlabach.

Chair—Erik Schwab; Secretary—Martha Tyner