Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Sacred Harp singing at State Line Church in Cleburne County, Alabama (just off highway 78 at the Georgia-Alabama state line) was held on Saturday before the second Sunday in April.

Jeff Sheppard called the class to order leading song on page 32t. The morning prayer was led by Felton Denney. Jeff Sheppard led song on page 57; Mary Florence Smith 171; Pearl Guier and Louise Nelson 87; Shelbie Sheppard and Jimmy Cates 269 (in memory of their parents, Walker and Lessie Cates).

The class organized with the following officers re-elected to serve: Chairman—B.M. Smith; Vice Chairman—Jeff Sheppard; Secretary—Mary Florence Smith; Memorial Committee—Helen Bryson; Arranging Committee—Margie Smith; Acting Arranging Committee—Louise Nelson and Pearl Guier.

Leaders: Roy Nelson 129; Dave Ressler 29t; Helen Bryson 411; Keith Willard 297; Becky Browne 377; Jerry Enright 271t; Carla Smith 202; Ted Johnson 316; Mary Elizabeth Lee 144; Milton Oliver 206; Melanie Hauff 216; T.J. Willard 106; Lynne deBenedette 59; Jerry Schreiber 172; David Lee 501b; Karen Freund 56 (t? b?); Bob Meek 454.

RECESS

The class was brought to order by Jeff Sheppard leading song on page 145t. Leaders: Louis Hughes 480; Marcia Johnson 448t; Charles Obert 203; Cindy Kissee 68t; Martha Beverly 430; Steven Schmeidler 68b; Jenny Willard 318; Ed Stevens 40; Reba Dell Windom 196; Ginny Landgraf 310.

RECESS

The singing resumed with Jeff Sheppard leading song on page 36b. Leaders: Ted Mercer 406; Harlan Van Camp 178; Lisa Callirhoe 272; Daryl Mayberry 421; Kathy Manning 193; Merle Mateika 39t; Henry Schuman 176t.

Helen Bryson gave the memorial lesson. She expressed how humble she felt giving the memorial, and spoke of a very good singer from Georgia, Horace DeLong, and his many contributions to singings and singers. The memorial today is for a lot of other good singers and friends, too. The following deceased were remembered: Horace DeLong, Mary Frances Dannals, Roxy Duffy, Ethel Klein, John Bayer’s grandfather, Janet Borman, Florence Williams, and Jerry Sheppard. Helen Bryson led song on page 288 for the deceased.

Ted Johnson led song on page 179 for the following sick and shut-ins: Jap Walton, Virgil Phillips, Ruby Phillips, Lawrence Underwood, Lula Underwood, I.V. McWhorter, Don Jolly, Mozelle Sheppard, Woodie Walker, Flarce Creel, and Richard DeLong. Jerry Enright closed the memorial with prayer.

LUNCH

Jeff Sheppard opened the afternoon session leading song on page 186. Leaders: Henry Johnson 30b; Elene Stovall 528; Charles Franklin 99; Katie Jackson 107; Janine Smith 335; Matt Wells 384; Cassie Franklin 352; Tom McGraw 37b; James Nelson Gingerich 70b; Cathy White 84; Tollie Lee 319; Pierre Gingerich 312 (t? b?); Daphene Causey 426b; Phillip Langley 182; Nate Green and Norma Green 303; Liz Bryant 475; Bobby Jackson 401; Jeannette DePoy 542.

RECESS

The class reassembled with Shelbie Sheppard, Pam Nunn, and Rene Greene leading song on page 200. Leaders: Pam Nunn 220; Lonnie Rogers 45t; Cindy Franklin and Cassie Franklin 198; Clarke Lee 344; Sherry Louvorn 236; Dewayne Wootten 163b; Judy Mincey 538; Bud Oliver and Jimmie Denney 42; Bonnie Flowers 425b; Don Bowen and Clarke Lee 503; Sonja Randle 87; John Plunkett 571; Felton Denney 566; Jack Smith 192; Evelyn Harris 159; Rene Greene 313t; B.J. Harris 225t; Amy Lee 452b; Teenie Moody 441; Cathy Lee 148; Julie Lee 128; John Lee 175; Ruth Brown 142.

Announcements were made. The secretary reported that 75 songs were led, and singers were present from 18 states.

Jeff Sheppard led song on page 46 as the closing song. The class was dismissed with prayer led by B.J. Harris.

Chairman—B.M. Smith; Vice Chairman—Jeff Sheppard; Secretary—Mary Florence Smith.