Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The one hundred-first session of the annual Fayette County Sacred Harp Singing Convention was held at Bevill State Community College on the first Sunday in August. The class was called to order by Linton Ballinger leading song on page 144. Earl Ballinger offered the morning prayer.

Following welcoming comments, it was announced that Marie Creel Aldridge had just passed away. The class concurred in dedicating the entire sessions of this convention to her memory. Marie Aldridge was a lifelong supporter of Sacred Harp singing and this convention.

The class organized by electing or appointing the following officers: Chairman—Gravis Ballinger; Vice Chairman—Linton Ballinger; Secretary—Leslie Ballinger; Arranging Committee—Lomax Ballinger.

Leaders: Gravis Ballinger 47t; Lomax Ballinger 565b, 137; Leslie Ballinger 100, 101t; Phillip Ballinger 155, 340; A.A. Malone 203, 432; Amanda Ballinger 454, 30t; Wayne Baines 480, 89; Edwin Ballinger 491; Jill Ballinger 186, 110; Etma Barton 460, 441; Jimmy Ballinger 295.

RECESS

The class was called to order by Earl Ballinger leading song on page 270. Leaders: Cecil Sanders 225t; Amber Springfield 391, 276; Josh Keeton 286, 40; John Hyde 63, 73t; Annie Lou Price 298, 490; Bickett Howton 290, 436; Emily Ballinger 171, 187.

RECESS

The class was called to order by Leon Ballinger leading songs on pages 384 and 269. Leaders: Teresa Ballinger 216; Dave Gibson 135, 551; Cassie Franklin 88t, 192; Travis Keeton 182, 120; Rachel Richards 282, 571 (CB); Velton Chafin 217; Paula Springfield 408; Max Berueffy 411; Ashley Keeton 272; Buddy Ballinger 393; Lisa Geist 304.

LUNCH

The class was called to order by Johnny Humber leading song on page 208. Leaders: Lavaughn Ballinger 45t; Cindy Franklin 75; Wanda Capps 200; Elmer Conwill 179; Josie Hyde 507; Chip Ward 101b; Susan Harcrow 142; Rodney Ivey 81t; Peggy Bergman 318; Glenn Keeton and Ashley Keeton 215; Elene Stovall 316; John Merritt 438; Beth O’dell 546; Bud Oliver 189; Wilton Donaldson and Ivalene Donaldson 426 (t? b?); Clarissa Springfield 445; Toney Smith 193.

RECESS

The class was called to order by Larry Ballinger leading song on page 91. Leaders: Lena Keeton 222; Brenda Merritt 475; Clarence McCool 349; Willodean Barton 416; Julietta Haynes 218; Bill Stewart 68b; Jayne Fulmer 300; Shelley Capps and Cassie Franklin 512; Vernice Phillips 168.

Announcements were made. Gravis Ballinger led song on page 146 as the closing song. Earl Ballinger dismissed the class with prayer.

Chairman—Gravis Ballinger; Vice Chairman—Linton Ballinger; Secretary—Leslie Ballinger.