Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual meeting of the Sacred Harp Musical Heritage Association (SHMHA) was held at the Southside Community Center in Southside, Alabama, on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Approximately 32 members were present for the meeting. David Ivey, President, called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m. David welcomed the assembly and introduced board members present: Jeannette DePoy, Pam Nunn (Treasurer), Jonathon Smith, Shane Wootten, and Samuel Sommers (Secretary). Other board members unable to attend include Lauren Bock (Vice President) and Judy Caudle (Minutes Secretary).

David presented an overview of SHMHA’s history and purpose. He provided a written summary of 2025 activities and a 2024 financial summary. SHMHA, as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, has filed IRS form 990 annually since 2003. A full financial summary of 2025 will be available at the Jacksonville Singing in February 2026. SHMHA supports financial management for the United Convention, the State Line Singing, and the Young Peoples’ Convention.

Pam Nunn presented the report of the Directory and Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings (Minutes Book) prepared by Judy Caudle, editor. From January to October 2025, the Minutes account had deposits of $3298.36 and expenditures of $1630.85. Minutes have been submitted by 218 Singings by November 15, 2025:36 two-day events, 1 three-day event, and 1 Camp Fasola. Fifty-six copies of the book were ordered in 2025, and twenty-six copies were delivered by mail. Minutes Books are available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If anyone knows of a Sacred Harp singer who is homebound or otherwise unable to order a Minutes Book online, let Judy know their name and address, and a book will be delivered to them. Judy thanked Carolyn Deacy, Chris Thorman, Mark Godfrey and Samuel Sommers for their help with the Minutes Book project. David also expressed great appreciation to Judy and the secretaries of Singings and Conventions for the many hours of work to produce this resource which is greatly valued by the Sacred Harp community.

David reported on Camp Fasola, which provides an immersive environment for learning and singing Sacred Harp. From 2003 until now, thirty-six camps have been held. Two U.S. sessions per summer were held in 2008-2019; Camp Fasola Europe was held in Poland in even numbered years from 2012 to 2018 (four camps); Virtual Camp Fasola was held in 2021 and 2022. Videos of 38 historic sessions dating back to 2003 are available online on the Camp Fasola YouTube channel. The 2025 session of Camp Fasola had 122 campers from 18 states and three Canadian provinces. Campers participated in 40 classes and singing sessions. David announced that Camp Fasola 2026 will be from June 29 to July 3 at Camp Lee in Anniston, Alabama. Scholarships are available for campers.

Camp scholarships and many other projects are made possible by contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, conventions, and others interested in Sacred Harp. Tax deductible contributions of cash, stock, or other property are appreciated. Contact David Ivey at SHMHA@fasola.org for information. We are always grateful for support and input.

Members of the association were allowed opportunity for questions or input on SHMHA’s programs. Samuel Sommers said a closing prayer and David Ivey adjourned the meeting at 2:40 p.m. SHMHA is a non-profit 5019 (c) (3) organization, incorporated in Alabama, whose purpose is the perpetuation and preservation of Sacred Harp singing and its traditions. SHMHA produces the Directory and Minutes of Sacred Harp Singing, operates Camp Fasola, sponsors the fasola.org website, and supports Sacred Harp conventions and singings and other activities related to Sacred Harp music.

President—David Ivey; Vice President—Lauren Bock; Secretary—Samuel Sommers