Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Sacred Harp singing at Jordan Chapel was held the fourth Sunday in October. The class was called to order by Lonnie Rogers leading songs on pages 46 and 101t. Billy Joe Harris led songs on pages 452 and 503.

Rev. Julian Murphy, pastor of the church, welcomed the class, and offered the morning prayer. B.M. Smith led song on page 30t. Rev. Julian Murphy, pastor of the church, led the morning prayer. B.J. Harris led songs on pages 503 and 452.

The following officers were elected or appointed: Chairman—Lonnie Rogers; Vice Chairman—Billy Joe Harris; Arranging Committee—Margie Smith; Memorial Committee—Ruth Brown and Karen Rollins; Secretary—Pearl Guier.

Leaders: Lonnie Rogers 33b; Pearl Guier 127, 40; Jimmie Denney 153, 145t, 129; Karen Rollins 143, 136, 34b; Roy Nelson 422, 274b, 128; Evelyn Harris 155, 47t, 225t; George Garner 141, 454; Nancy Allen 354b.

RECESS

The class resumed singing with Billy Joe Harris leading song on page 348b. Leaders: Margie Smith 106, 87, 313t; Everette Denney 137, 335, 119; Floy Wilder 120, 224, 373; Henry Johnson 138b, 569b, 288; C.W. Garner 139, 145 (t? b?); Bobby Jackson 72b, 480, 290.

The Rev. Julian Murphy welcomed the class and introduced the Rev. Frank Reaves of Wadley who blessed the food.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Lonnie Rogers leading song on page 75. “Happy Birthday” was sung for Sue Parker. Leaders: Jeff Sheppard 89, 294 (for Rena Mae Henson), 358; B.M. Smith 475, 222, 318.

The memorial lesson was given by Ruth Brown and Karen Rollins. Ruth Brown spoke of the traditions of Sacred Harp: the bonds of friendship, the followship of sharing food, sitting in a square to sing, remembering those who are ill, and remembering those who have passed away since our last singing in this place. The songs of Sacred Harp bring happiness and hope, sooth our sorrows, strengthen our faith, and bring comfort. Those remembered: Kim Cagle, Jerry Sheppard, Alvin Stanson, John Forman, Luke Allen, Willie Pearl Gosdin, Betha Cosper, and Eva Brady.

The sick and shut-ins remembered: Virgil Phillips, Ruby Phillips, Mozelle Sheppard, I. V. McWhorter, Jap Walton, Joyce Walton, Felton Denney, Mrs. Alonzo Edwards, Rena Mae Henson, and Rosa Hughes.

Lonnie Rogers led songs on pages 45t and 298 for the deceased. Pearl Guier led songs on pages 49b and 73b for the sick and shut-ins. Ruth Brown and Karen Rollins led songs on pages 285t and 340. The memorial was closed with prayer by Billy Joe Harris.

Leaders: Roy Nelson 274t; Henry Johnson 47b; B.M. Smith 339, 341; Evelyn Harris and Tabatha Murphy 68b, 63; Pam Brown and B.M. Smith 36b, 59.

Lonnie Rogers led song on page 112 for the closing song. The closing prayer was led by Pam Brown.

Chairman—Lonnie Rogers; Vice Chairman—Billy Joe Harris; Secretary—Pearl Guier.