Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The one hundred-second session of the Rock-Creek Mountain Home and the one hundred twenty-fifth session of the Ryan Creek Convention was convened at the Masonic Hall, Crane Hill, Cullman County, Alabama. Billy Williams welcomed the conventioneers and opened the joint session by leading song on page 49b. The morning prayer was led by Elder J.L. Hopper.

Leaders: Billy Williams 47t, 56t; Corene White 73 (t? b?), 37 (t? b?); Eldagene Roberson 454; Gene Wakefield 475, 102; Judy Caudle 52t, 322, 100; Everett Kilgore 40, 192; David Roberson 340, 63, 222; Chris Bell 358, 126.

A business session was held with the following officers elected or appointed: Chairman—Billy Williams; Vice Chairman—Travis Keeton; Secretary—Eldagene Roberson; Chaplain—J.L. Hopper; Locating Committee—Elvin Guthrie, Everett Kilgore, and Marie Guthrie; Memorial Committee—Marie Guthrie and Eldagene Roberson; Arranging Committee and Finance Committee—Billy Williams.

Chaplain J.L. Hopper quoted Psalm 100: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before His presence with singing.” This we do today praising the Lord in song.

Leaders: Travis Keeton 72b, 321, 57; Glenda Hopper 127, 207; Justin Keeton 385b, 168, 546.

A Memorial Lesson was given by Marie Guthrie and Eldagene Roberson, who reminded us that this is the time we, as singers, set aside to remember our friends and loved ones who have passed away since the last session of this convention. The following deceased were remembered: Vernice Calvert, Mamie Creel, Hadyn Creel, Mae Seymour, Clifford Wakefield, Edward Godsey, Charley McCoy, Eula Denson Johnson, and Bob Fannin. Velton Chafin led song on page 87 for the deceased.

Elder J.L. Hopper led song on page 566 for the sick and shut-ins, which included: Virgil Phillips, Ruby Phillips, Essie Calvert, Tressie Adkins, Thurman Nall, Lucius Johnson, Mary Johnson, and Kimmie Holcomb. Elder J.L. Hopper closed the Memorial with prayer.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Velton Chafin leading songs on pages 149 and 508 (?). Leaders: Pernie Pelfrey 399b, 67; Marie Guthrie 101t, 35, 213 (t? b?); Margaret Keeton 276, 181, 52b; Elvin Guthrie 138b, 138t, 139; Elder J.L. Hopper 117, 540, 173; Chris Bell 384 (in memory of Unie B. Howard); Glenda Hopper and J.L. Hopper 495; Velton Chafin 494, 496; Justin Keeton 455, 454.

The Locating Committee report was given. The next session will be held at Jones Chapel Senior Citizens Center pending confirmation of availability of the building. This will be announced sometime in the next year. If we are unable to move the convention to the Jones Chapel Senior Citizens Center, the singing will be held here at the Masonic Hall in Crane Hill.

Announcements were made. Billy Williams led song on page 62 as the closing song. The class was dismissed with prayer by J.L. Hopper.

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