Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The twenty-ninth session of the Bob Burnham Memorial Sacred Harp Singing was held the first Sunday in February. Ruth Brown, daughter of Bob Burnham, greeted everyone and explained that her niece, Nell Temple, could not be there because of illness. Ruth led the song on 59, and the morning prayer was given by Lonnie Rogers. Ruth told us that a local newspaper was to do an article on “Uncle Bob” with memories given by Ruth and Uncle Bob’s grandchildren. Ruth Brown then led the song on 101t; Jeff Sheppard led 99, 109; Shelbie Sheppard 448t, 448b; Margie Smith 225t, 303. Ruth Brown then reported that Mrs. Dula Webb had fallen and was in poor condition, and Mrs. Eula Johnson was ill. Ruth Brown then led song on page 63. The class was organized for the day with the following elected as officers: Chairman—Ruth Brown; Vice Chairman—Jeff Sheppard; Secretary—Nell Temple (Shelbie Sheppard to record in her absence at the request of Ruth); Arranging Committee—Margie Smith. Leaders: Daphene Causey 327, 269; Ruby Phillips 39b; Bud Oliver 73t, 47t; Carlene Griffin 113; Lonnie Rogers 141, 405; Hilda Morrison 287, 426 (t? b?); Lamar Smith 76t, 36b.

RECESS

Jeff Sheppard called the class together leading song on page 75. Leaders: B. M. Smith 284, 494; Penny Bosarge 340, 332; Coy Ivey 176 (t? b?), 120; Reba Dell Windom 192, 186; Helen Bryson 436, 523; Marie Aldridge 316, 217; Shelton Williamson 198, 300; Ruth Brown recognized a cousin from Shelby County who brought some old books, and her nieces and nephews (Burnham descendants) gathered with her to sing 45t; Pam Nunn 503b, 528; Felton Denney 489b, 31t; Martha Woodard 142; Jimmy Denney 123t, 68b; Revy Williamson 299; Harvey Austin 335; Ruth Brown, and Ruth Ann Trumley 49t. The Blessing of food was given by Billy J. Harris.

LUNCH

Ruth Brown led 312b to start the afternoon session. Leaders: Richard DeLong 472, 464; Lou Cotney 189, 497; Linda Thomas 499b; Shelton Williamson 268; Connie Karduck 222, 498; Pearl Guier 143, 358; Everett Denney 152, 34b; Alice Edwards 73b, 565; Eloise Avery 426b, 35; Lovella Kerr 48t, 406; Marshall Avery 106, 271t; Lucy Heidorn 40, 155; Billy Joe Harris 34t, 452; Buell Cobb 467; Judy Mincey 410t, 501; Evelyn Harris 159, 27 for Vena Holley who was present for the afternoon session, but was not able to lead; James Howell 74t, 74b; Bonnie Flowers 207; Don Bowen 475, 474; Sylvia Holland 46, 146. Charlene Wallace led 406 for Forney and Clelon Cobb; Forney was able to attend for a little while in the afternoon. Lessie Cates was called to lead but did not feel up to directing. After announcements were made, Ruth Brown and Jeff Sheppard led 69 (t? b?) as the closing song, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Lamar Smith.

Chairman—Ruth Brown; Vice Chairman—Jeff Sheppard; Secretary—Nell Temple.