Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The Denney Memorial singing was held on Saturday before the first Sunday in November. This singing was formerly held at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Heard County, Georgia on the same date with Everette Denney as Chairman, and this singing is dedicated to his memory. Everette Denney died on December 29, 2002.

Felton Denney called the class to order leading 37b. Philip Denney offered the morning prayer. Josephine Denney led 101t and Felton Denney led 31t.

The class was organized for the day with the following officers elected or appointed: Chairman—Philip Denney; Vice Chairman—Bernard Denney; Secretary—Mary Lambert Smith; Arranging Committee—Charlene Wallace.

Leaders: Philip Denney 401, 84; Bernard Denney 100, 145b; Jimmie Denney 313t, 276; Bobby Jackson 341, 499; Karen Rollins 34b, 143; Lonnie Rogers 33b, 225t. Preston McClendon, who is 99 years old, led 127. This song was the very first song he ever led, 95 years ago, and it was here at Emmaus Church.

RECESS

The class was reassembled. Philip Denney and Moena Denney led 405 in memory of Everette Denney who would have been 88 years old today. Moena Denney expressed how pleased she was that everyone came and that we were remembering Everett. She also expressed gratitude for her friends, who would always be in her heart, and asked for the prayers of everyone.

Leaders: Mary Lambert Smith 27, 63; Earlis McGraw 114, 132; B.M. Smith 122, 123t; Paige Harrod 112, 222; John Plunkett 55, 151; Anita Landess 312b, 297; Carlene Griffin 117, 448b; Jeff Sheppard 41, 140; Jeannette DePoy 448t, 306; Richard DeLong 399b, 134 (in memory of Mary Ann Denney).

LUNCH

The afternoon session began with Bernard Denney leading 61. Leaders: Cecil Roberts 303, 284; Donna Duke 40, 155; Lou Cotney 189, 384; Charlene Wallace 388, 421.

A motion was made by Philip Denney to extend the business session for the purpose of selecting a name for the singing. The motion was seconded. After discussion, it was voted and approved to make this singing be know as the Denney Memorial which would meet at Emmaus Primitive Baptist Church, Carrollton, Georgia on Saturday before the first Sunday in November each year. The business session was closed.

Leaders: Karen Rollins 489; John Plunkett 569t, 539; Anita Landess 540; Eunice Webb 434; Jeff Sheppard 403; Jeannette DePoy 570; B.M. Smith 149; Richard DeLong 103; Cecil Roberts 335, 49b; Bobby Jackson 288; Lou Cotney 497; Earlis McGraw 425; Lonnie Rogers and B.M. Smith 164; Philip Denney 340 (in memory of J.D. Muse), 120.

Announcements were made. Philip Denney and Lonnie Rogers led 46 as the closing song, and Lonnie Rogers dismissed the class with prayer.

Chairman—Philip Denney; Vice Chairman—Bernard Denney; Secretary—Mary L. Smith.