Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual New Year’s Day Singing was called to order by Helen Brown leading 171. A warm welcome was extended to all and Ruth Steggles offered the morning prayer.

The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairperson—Helen Brown; Vice Chairman—Ted Brown; Arranging Committee—Sarah West and Maria Wallace; Secretary—Margaret Gillanders.

Leaders: Ruth Steggles 47t; Michael Walker 134; Maria Wallace 448t; Chris Brown 114; Linda Reed 300; Ted Brown 49b; Rosalind Oldham 54t (CB); Benny Ross 143; Sharon Langridge 350; Steve Fletcher 40; Judy Whiting 212; Hannah Land 98 (CB); Sarah West 101t; Ruth Steggles 107; Chris Brown 275t; Gillian White 49t.

RECESS

Judy Whiting called the class back to order leading 480. Leaders: Steve Walsh 503; Linda Davies-Holmes 268; Margaret Gillanders 500 (CB); Ted Brown 505 (CB); Sharon Langridge 563 (CB); Michael Walker 456; Linda Reed 344; Steve Fletcher 100; Rosalind Oldham 148; Benny Ross 38t; Helen Brown 50b. Hannah Land offered grace for the mid-day meal.

LUNCH

Sarah West re-convened the class by leading 84. Leaders: Hannah Land 228; Steve Welch 501; Linda Davies-Holmes 178; Maria Wallace 146; Margaret Gillanders 33b; Michael Walker 559 (CB); Judy Whiting 507b (CB); Ruth Steggles 511t (CB); Sharon Langridge 515.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Gillian White and the names of the following deceased were read from the list: Stan Shaw, Jean Cousins, John Etheridge (Florida, USA), Frank Hataway (Alabama, USA), Amanda Denson (Alabama, USA), Ivy Hughes, Beatrice Davies, Roy West, Lee Rogers (Georgia, USA), Rev. John (Jack) Walne, Yvonne Blake, Adrian Mitchell, Cicely Mary Smith-Bird, Sara Bernstone, Derek Froome, Don Chapman, Munro Dennis, Eileen White, John (NLN).

Ted Brown spoke for the sick and housebound and the names of the following were read: Olen J. Osborne (OH), Sue Briggs, David Daykin, Dorothy Williams, Ann Cox, Philip Higgins, David Lee, Gladys Buchanan, Barry Hills, Kathy Armstrong, Derek Lee, Les, Joan Mattock, Mick Lovely, Andy, and Ruth Parrish.

Helen Brown and Ted Brown led 96 (CB) for all those remembered and Gillian White concluded the lesson by leading the class in prayer.

Leaders: Steve Fletcher 106; Linda Reed 147t.

RECESS

Chris Brown called the class back together leading 338. Leaders: Helen Brown 573 (CB); Benny Ross 318; Sarah West 288; Steve Welch 479; Hannah Land 472; Linda Davies-Holmes 209; Margaret Gillanders 475; Michael Walker 495; Judy Whiting 546; Ruth Steggles 547; Ted Brown 99; Sharon Langridge 496; Steve Fletcher 481.

Following announcements, Helen Brown led 95 (CB) as the closing song. Simon White offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairperson—Helen Brown; Vice Chairman—Ted Brown; Secretary—Margaret Gillanders