Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The seventh annual Southern California Regional Sacred Harp Singing met on the Saturday before the third Sunday in May at Angels Gate Cultural Center in San Pedro, California.

The class was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Jerry Schreiber leading song on 270. Carrie Patterson Grindon led the opening prayer.

Leaders: Jerry Schreiber 112; Susan Turpin 68b; Carla Smith 378t; Carolyn Deacy 114; Carrie Patterson Grindon 58.

A business meeting was called with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Rick Russell; Vice Chairperson—Laura Russell; Secretary—Jeff VanderWilt; Arranging Committee—Laura Russell; Treasurer—Susan Turpin; Memorial Committee—Ron Huss; Resolutions Committee—Mary Rose O’Leary and Stephen O’Leary; Chaplain—Carrie Patterson Grindon.

Leaders: Rick Russell 189; Laura Russell 147b; Jeff VanderWilt 178; John Rand 385t; Betty Herman 430; Duncan MacLeod 373.

RECESS

Rick Russell called the class back to order leading 401. Leaders: Karen Willard 330b; Mary Rose O’Leary 384; Al Patterson Grindon 147t; Midge Harder 146; Ron Huss 311; Janet Herman 95; Carroll Lunsford 111t; Karen Huss 236; Jon Giles 176b; Stephen O’Leary 260; Jerry Schreiber 66; Mimi Wright 39t.

RECESS

Karen Willard called the class back to order leading 274t. Leaders: Janice Hecksel 481; Mary Rose O’Leary 318; John Leicester 198; Mike Laube 300.

Ron Huss gave the memorial lesson and led song on page 534 for the following deceased: Don Jolly and Mei Chang—California; Frank Lee—Georgia; Marge Ogren Anderson—Illinois.

Jerry Schreiber gave a lovely eulogy for Don Jolly of San Diego, California who died unexpectedly of cancer, and we sang Don’s favorite song, 532, in his memory.

We then sang 566 for the sick and shut-ins: David Christ, Virgil Phillips, Barbara Goldfus, Gerry (San Francisco), and Marie Aldridge.

Jeff VanderWilt then led 269 to close the morning session.

LUNCH

Rick Russell called the class back from lunch leading song on page 52t. Leaders: Janet Herman 383; Rodney Davidson 82t; Stephen O’Leary 130; Stephen O’Leary then gave a children’s lesson leading 168; John Rand 271t; Carolyn Deacy 299; Karen and Barbara Willard 349; Carla Smith 448b; Al Patterson Grindon 49b; We sang “Happy Birthday” in honor of Al Patterson Grindon’s birthday, May 15; Betty Herman 545; Duncan MacLeod 329; Rod Willard 106; Jeff VanderWilt 377.

Robin Hinchcliff, our host and the director of Angels Gate Cultural Center, was introduced. Laura Russell assisted Robin Hinchcliff in leading song on page 133.

RECESS

Jon Giles called the class back to order leading song on page 218. Leaders: Carrie Patterson Grindon 497; Carroll Lunsford 153; Susan Turpin 203; Marilyn Murata 107; Mary Bess Grimes 72b; Mike Laube 38b; Ron Huss 327; Mary Rose O’Leary 362; Karen Willard and Jerry Schreiber 64, 569b; Janice Hecksel 385b; Mimi Wright 163b; Rodney Davidson 277, Rick Russell 454.

A business meeting was called. Treasurer Susan Turpin reported that contributions met and exceeded expenses.

The Resolutions Committee offered the following resolutions.

Thanks to:

(1) The Eternal Spirit that animates this music and gives us life through the singing;

(2) Betty Herman for arranging the food and to all who cooked a fine meal for us;

(3) All travelers who came from afar to lend their voices and made this singing a success;

(4) The officers of this singing who worked hard to make things run smoothly, especially Rick Russell, Laura Russell, and Jeff VanderWilt;

(5) Ron Huss and Karen Huss who supplied the chairs;

(6) The Angels Gate Cultural Center for hosting us again.

Announcements for several upcoming events were made. Rick Russell closed the singing leading song on page 276. Carrie Patterson Grindon gave the closing prayer. The singing adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Chairman—Rick Russell; Vice Chairperson—Laura Boyd Russell; Secretary—Jeffrey VanderWilt.