Minutes of Sacred Harp Singings

The annual Sacred Harp singing held at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia, on the third Sunday in February was called to order by Philip Denny, who welcomed everyone. He led 535. Philip stated that Myron House was unable to attend due to sickness, and that it would have been Myron’s 35th year to serve as chairman. Cecil Roberts offered the opening prayer.

A business session was held with the following officers elected or appointed: Chairman—Nathan Rees; Vice Chairman—Philip Denney; Secretary—Donna Bell; Arranging Officer—Judy Chambless.

Leaders: Nathan Rees 100, 56t; Philip Denney 99; Donna Bell 340 (for Virginia Dyer), 490; Judy Chambless 34b, 426t; Cecil Roberts 35; Winfred Kerr 40, 282; Hayden Arp 103, 331; Susan Cherones 460, 56b; Oscar McGuire 276, 229; Dalton Lewis 63 (for his Nana, Virginia Dyer), 70b; Nathan Rees and University of West Georgia students (Taneisha Turner, Candice Salters, Marily Suarez, Kameron Martin, and Joshua Chapman) 500 (in memory of Earlis McGraw).

RECESS

Philip Denney brought the class back to order by leading 87. Leaders: Lisa Bennett 193 (for Virginia Dyer), 435 (in memory of Earlis McGraw); Karis Askin 36b, 300; Andy Ditzler 80t, 323b; Mary Morris 82b, 64.

The memorial lesson was conducted by Karen Rollins. She briefly explained the importance of the lesson to the university students in attendance stating, “It is an important part of our heritage and our singings. I know that the memorial lesson is to celebrate the life of those who’ve gone before and the sick, but I realize more and more that the memorial lesson is for us too. We depend on each other to keep this tradition going.” Karen noted that we can find strength, comfort, and love during this time. The deceased remembered were B.M. Smith, Earlis McGraw, Geneva Prichard, Toney Smith, Lavoy Smith, Johnny Lee, Delorese Lee, Janelle Davis, Gail Jackson, James Hughes, Lynn Swafford Key, S.T. Reed, Les Sontag, Hester Edwards, Harold DeLong, and Edna Ruth Phillips. The sick and shut-ins mentioned were Myron House, Virginia Dyer, Eloise Wootten, and Floy Wilder. Karen Rollins led 122. The memorial lesson was closed with prayer offered by Henry Johnson.

Leaders: Robert Chambless 225t, 163b (in memory of Horace Merrill); Cindy Gray 61, 76b; Isaac Green and Dalton Lewis 146 (for Fallon Cook); Isaac Green 545; Henry Johnson 206, 521; Sandra Wilkinson 171, 75; Malinda Snow 489, 527. Philip Denney offered the blessing of the noon meal.

LUNCH

Philip Denney, and university students, Doija Tyler and Kaylyn Becton brought the class back to order by leading 120. Leaders: David Brodeur 536, 458; Karen Rollins 168, 274t; Sheri Taylor 274b, 278b; David Smead 391, 151; Richard DeLong 370, 341; Fred Eady 192, 47b; Glenda Collins and Bert Collins 101t, 138t (in memory of B.M. Smith); Esther Williams 159, 90; Samuel Williams 512, 378b; Daniel Williams 425, 74t; Margie Smith and Richard DeLong 494; Oscar McGuire and Cecil Roberts 477; Henry Johnson and Malinda Snow 96; Philip Denney, Karen Rollins, and Fred Eady 97; Susan Cherones and Sheri Taylor 564; Lisa Bennett and Andy Ditzler 444; Hayden Arp, Isaac Green, and Charlene Wallace 283, 155 (in memory of Carlene Griffin); Donna Bell and Sandra Wilkinson 405; Daniel Williams, Esther Williams, and Samuel Williams 349; David Brodeur and David Smead 79; Glenda Collins, Bert Collins, and Winfred Kerr 59; Robert Chambless, Judy Chambless, and Margie Smith 354b. The Chairman recognized Hugh McGraw, and the class wished him a happy birthday.

Nathan announced that the officers are looking for a new location on campus for this singing to be held. Other announcements were made.

Nathan Rees and Philip Denney led 45b as the closing song. Philip Denney offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Nathan Rees; Vice Chairman—Philip Denney; Secretary—Donna Bell