Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The Berks County Sacred Harp Singers hosted the eighth annual Maidencreek All Day Singing which was held on Saturday before Labor Day at Maidencreek Meeting House near Leesport, Pennsylvania.

Guy Bankes called the class to order at 10:00 a.m. leading 77b. George Seiler offered the opening prayer.

Officers and committees for the day were: Chairman—Guy Bankes; Treasurer—Ruth Shaffer; Secretary—Gina Balestracci; Chaplains—George Seiler and Willie Israel; Memorial Committee—Diane Mennella, Dennis Leipold, and Laura Densmore; Coordination/Publicity—Doron Henkin; Location—Betty Hanf; Housing/Publicity/Arranging—Laura Densmore; Set-up—Pat Pingel; Registration—Susan Munch; Pitching—Paula McGray, Jean Seiler, and Ginny Landgraf.

Leaders: Guy Bankes 556; Laura Densmore 148; Doron Henkin 203; Ginny Landgraf 89; Ted Stokes 213b; Betty Hanf 97; George Seiler 480; Susan Bingham 446; Paula McGray 373; John Hewes 73t; Gina Balestracci 430; Jean Seiler 142; Donna Abrahams 496; John Merritt and Jim Picton 240; Rachel Speer 101t.

RECESS

Blake Morris brought the class back to order leading 32t. Leaders: Willie Israel 163b; Roland Hutchinson 250; Susan Hanson 473; Aldo Ceresa 48b; Barbara Swetman 448t; Mary Ellen Schrock 178; John Holbrook 282; Guy Bankes 68b; Hal Kunkel 434; Brenda Merritt 437; Kathy Manning 215.

RECESS

Ted Stokes brought the class to order leading 159. Leaders: Claire Simon 107; Dennis Leipold 455; Elizabeth Cusick 86.

Diane Mennella conducted the memorial lesson for the sick and shut-ins, and led 330b in their honor. The following were remembered: Helene Smith—New York; Mado Venier—France; Jane Roman—Maryland; Margaret Peckman—Florida; Marilyn Darch—California.

Dennis Leipold conducted the memorial lesson for the deceased, and led 285t in their memory. The following were remembered: Ruth Brown, Lavaughn Ballinger, Lamar Smith, and Elder Donald Smith—Alabama; Ruth Bateman—Georgia; Phillip Shea and Michael Wadham—Massachusetts; Dr. Don Jael and Dr. Ed Dewey—New Jersey; Andreas Albrecht, Hugh Anderson, and Harry Bingham—New York; Rev. Allan Winn—Pennsylvania. Laura Densmore gave a short eulogy for Hugh Anderson and led 163b in his memory. George Seiler concluded the memorial with prayer. The blessing for lunch was given by Willie Israel.

LUNCH

Guy Bankes brought the class back to order for the afternoon session leading 155. Leaders: Gerry Hoffman 362; Charlotte Ehrman 569b; Blake Morris 214; Diane Mennella 192; George Seiler 347; Susan Bingham 454; Ruth Shaffer “Wie soll ich dich empfangen”; Paula McGray 66; John Hewes 311; Gina Balestracci 112; Jean Seiler 200; Donna Abrahams 457; John Merritt 400; Rachel Speer 216.

RECESS

Diane Mennella brought the class back to order leading 300. Leaders: Roland Hutchinson “Relly’s Third”; Willie Israel 551; Blake Morris 228; Kathy Manning 327 (in honor of Paula McGray and Jim Picton); Sue Hanson 479; Aldo Ceresa 163t; Brenda Merritt 47b; Hal Kunkel 171; Charlotte Ehrman 503; Barbara Swetman 542; Mary Ellen Schrock 143; John Holbrook 475.

A business meeting was held. The Treasurer reported that expenses had been met. In addition to all the officers and committees, thanks were expressed to Ted Stokes for the social held after the singing. End of business session.

Announcements of upcoming singings were made. Leaders: Claire Simon 91; Dennis Leipold 497; Gerry Hoffman 272; Diane Mennella 191.

Guy Bankes led 62 as the closing song, and the class was dismissed with prayer led by Willie Israel.

Chairman—Guy Bankes; Secretary—Gina Balestracci.