Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The one hundred-fifth session of the Rock Creek-Mountain Home and the one hundred twenty-eight session of the Ryan Creek Convention were held at Mt. Hope Church in Cullman County, Alabama on Saturday before the third Sunday in August. Billy Williams called the convention to order leading song on page 39b. Glenn Keeton led the morning prayer.

Leaders: Corene White 146, 40, 64; Elvin Guthrie 135, 147t; Uel Freeman 317, 82t; Travis Keeton 159 (in memory of Lee Barnes), 147b; Ida Lee Starnes 30t, 111b; Glenn Keeton 354t, 410t; David Roberson 274t, 63.

RECESS

Billy Williams brought the convention back to order leading song on page 268.

Aubrey Tyree, one of the elder members of this convention, spoke of learning to sing this type of music and how much it means to be able to sing these songs today, and closed his comments with prayer.

Leaders: John Hocutt 445b; Marie Guthrie 155, 322; Winell Sanders 569b; Ivalene Donaldson 204, 275b; Edith Tate 48t, 73t; Wilton Donaldson 566, 56 (t? b?); A.D. Chandler 81t, 144; Judy Caudle 131b, 276; Ruth Burleson 111t; Lelia Lee 480; Velton Chafin 35, 97; John Hyde 147 (t? b?), 313t; Mrs. A.D. Chandler 109, 354b; Aubrey Tyree 358; Judy Caudle 269, 280 (for Reedie Powell who was not able to stand and lead the songs).

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Billy Williams leading song on page 47b. Leaders: Brenda Pena 77b, 523; Richard Schmeidler 474, 475, 66; Ann Ballard 129, 85; Brenda Merritt 86, 319; John Merritt 65, 348 (t? b?).

A memorial lesson was held for friends and loved ones who have passed away since the convention met last year, and for the sick and shut-ins who are unable to attend.

The list of the deceased remembered were: Gene Wakefield, Elmer Conwill, Sheila Moon, Eula Moon, Annie McCool, Ted White, Eron White, A.C. McGough, Tom Jones, and Delores Canady. John Hucutt led song on page 348b for the deceased.

Velton Chafin led songs on pages 61 and 75 for the sick and shut-ins: Ruth Tillman, Mavis Price, Elsie Beasley, Callie Calvert, Deana Morgan, Maudie McSwain, Timothy Jones, Chrital Crocker, Charlotte Hinkle, John Etheridge, Tressie Adkins, and Mae Conwill. John Merritt closed the memorial with prayer.

Leaders: Glenn Keeton 117; Brenda Pena 569t; Richard Schmeidler 84; Marie Guthrie 454; Billy Williams 300.

Announcements were made. The convention elected to keep the same officers.

Billy Williams led song on page 62 as the closing song. Uel Freeman offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Billy Williams; Vice Chairman—Travis Keeton; Secretary—Eldagene Roberson.