Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The twelfth session of the July 4th Sacred Harp Singing met at the Muscadine Methodist Church in Muscadine, Alabama. The class was called together by Jeff Sheppard leading song on page 32t. The morning prayer was led by Jap Walton. After prayer, the following officers led: Jeff Sheppard 82t; B. M. Smith 123 (t? b?), 155; Mary Florence Smith 373, 300; Margie Smith 84. The class was organized for the day by re-electing the following officers: Chairman—Jeff Sheppard; Vice Chairman—B. M. Smith; Secretary—Mary Florence Smith; Arranging Committee—Margie Smith. Jeff Sheppard led song on page 87 and leaders called were: Paula McGray 182; Bud Oliver 145b, 345t; Judy Mincey 475; Ted Johnson 313b; Daryl Mayberry 85; Lamar Smith 36b; Joyce Walton 67; C. W. Garner 61; Marcia Johnson 218; S. T. Reed 495; Susan and Richard Green 350, 137; Jap Walton 420.

RECESS

B. M. Smith brought the class together leading song on page 68t. Leaders called were: Don Bowen 503b; Jenny Willard 327; Kelly Beard 72t; Ruby Phillips 378t; Milton Oliver 403; Melanie Hauff 131t; Keith Willard 274 (t? b?); Shelbie Sheppard 242; Felton Denney 299; Pam Nunn 269; Homer Benefield 56t.

RECESS

The class resumed singing with Jeff Sheppard leading song on page 120. Leaders called were: Charlene Wallace 160 (t? b?); Everette Denney 63; I. V. McWhorter 421; Jerry Sheppard 365; Bill Windom, Jap and Joyce Walton 457; Mildred Patterson 119; Lonnie Rogers 298; Penny Bosarge 436. The pastor of the church, Donald Payne, welcomed everyone and extended an invitation to come again next year. The class was dismissed one hour for lunch.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was brought to order by Jeff Sheppard leading song on page 142, and was followed by Roy Nelson 294, and Catherine Benefield 373. A short talk was given by Lonnie Rogers on the meaning and importance of the July 4th holiday. He spoke of the freedom we have in America and the opportunity we have to gather on this day to worship and praise God by singing Sacred Harp. David McGukin led songs on pages 36t and 346, “The American Star”, by request of John delRe of Virginia, followed by Jeff Sheppard leading song on page 110. Regular singing resumed and leaders called were: Reba Dell Windom 542; Lewis Norton 39b; Mae Holt 224; Mr. and Mrs. Mark Baumgartner 146; Pearl Guier 40; John Plunkett 479; Lou Cotney 212; Phillip Langley 112; Revy Williamson 117; Shelton Williamson 222; Debra Langley 430, Dick Dunagan 344; Alice Edwards 73b; Neal Pritchard 566; Val Dunagan 107; B. M. Smith 28b.

RECESS

The class reassembled with Jeff Sheppard leading song on page 319. Leaders: Keith Willard 501b; Marcia Johnson 485; Richard and Susan Green 148; Ted Johnson 385t; Paula McGray 198; Kelly Beard 80b; Jenny Willard 108t; Daryl Mayberry 528; Ernestine Pipkin 203; Melanie Hauff 536; Dick and Val Dunagan 128. Announcements were made, and Jeff Sheppard and B. M. Smith led song on page 46 for the closing song. The class was dismissed with prayer by the pastor, Donald Payne.

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