Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The one hundred-tenth session of the Cleburne County Sacred Harp Singing Convention met at Cane Creek Primitive Baptist Church near Heflin, Alabama on the third Sunday in August, and was called to order by Chairman Cecil Edwards leading song on page 159. Harvey Austin led the morning prayer.

The Introductory Lesson was led by Cecil Edwards leading songs from a book that was given to the Convention in memory of the late J.W. Laminack. Songs on pages 39b and 112 were the selections.

Harvey Austin led songs on pages 36b and 144.

A business session was held with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Cecil Edwards; Vice Chairman—Harvey Austin; Arranging Committee—Hester Edwards and Sammie Oliver; Secretary—Hester Edwards; Assistant Secretary—Mary Lambert Smith; Memorial Committee—Mary Lambert Smith.

Leaders: Cecil Edwards 146; Harvey Austin 335; Alice Edwards 73b, 104; Jeff Sheppard 97, 75; Betty Wright 40, 454; Jimmy Cates 168, 63; Bobby Jackson 312b, 290; Reba Norton 373, 208; Felton Denney 460, 155; Estelle Flowers 76b, 98; Jimmie Denney 72t, 276.

RECESS

The class was called to order by Harvey Austin leading song on page 32t. Leaders: Howard McGuire 186, 192; Eloise Watkins 35, 49b; Lonnie Rogers 33b, 225t, 318 (for Vivian Rogers); Bonnie Flowers 350, 47t; Roy Nelson 283, 316; Evelyn Harris 87, 30t; David Ivey 205, 319.

RECESS

The class resumed singing with Cecil Edwards leading song on page 196. Leaders: Sheri Taylor 29t, 148; Scot Oliver and Milton Oliver 176b, 165.

A memorial lesson was presented by Mary F. Smith. We not only remember those who have passed away in the past year, but also the founding fathers of this convention, and those who carried it on through the years.

Harvey Austin, Louise Owen, and Alice Edwards led songs on pages 73t and 45t for Lillie Owen, Harvey Austin’s sister, and the following deceased: Margie Edwards, Randall Parker, Bernice Walker, Ruth Redding, Florence Williams, Vester Jones, Flossie Jones, Elmer Cordell, and Jim Teel.

Shelbie Sheppard led songs on pages 490 and 418 for the following sick and shut-ins: Reba Edwards, Vivian Rogers, Allene Stanford, I.V. McWhorter, Mozelle Sheppard, Lois Stanson, Erskine Norton, and many others remembered but not listed. Mary Florence Smith led song on page 348 (t? b?), and the memorial was closed with prayer led by Felton Denney.

LUNCH

Cecil Edwards called the afternoon session to order with songs on pages 274t and 217. Leaders: Sherrell Durand 127, 358; Billy J. Harris 303, 503; Karen Ivey 106, 300; Stuart Ivey 299, 475; Shelbie Sheppard 210, 61; Bud Oliver 145t, 345 (t? b?); Carlene Griffin 117; Everette Denney 34b, 119; Nellie Mae White 100, 378t; Lewis Norton 569b, 30b; Lou Cotney 212, 189; Milton Oliver 222; Corene Laminack 405, 459; Winfred Kerr 47b; Louise Owen 143, 332.

Cecil Edwards, Alice Edwards, Hester Edwards, Alma Owen, Alonzo Edwards, and Louise Owen (all brothers and sisters) led song on page 146 for their family.

A business session was held to hear the request for hosting the convention in the year 2000. Cane Creek Primitive Baptist Church was chosen for the location of the singing.

Announcements were made. Cecil Edwards and Harvey Austin led song on page 62 as the closing song, and all who wished took the parting hand. Felton Denney dismissed the class with prayer.

Chairman—Cecil Edwards; Vice Chairman—Harvey Austin; Secretary—Hester Edwards; Assistant Secretary—Mary F. Smith.