Mississippi Sacred Harp Singings

Selected Minutes, 1996

  • Oxford City Hall
  • Bethel
  • Poplar Springs
  • Concord
  • Chickasaw County Convention
  • Calhoun County Convention
  • Mississippi State Convention
  • Cherry Tree
  • Mississippi College
  • Air Mount (Loosascoona)
  • Taylor
  • [ Minutes of 1995 Singings ]


    Oxford City Hall

    Oxford, Mississippi

    March 10, 1996

    The sixteenth annual Sacred Harp singing at Oxford City Hall was called to order by Warren Steel leading songs on page 138b and 36b. George Easley led the morning prayer. Mark Tew led songs on page 53 and 99, and the class organized by electing the following officers: Chairman, Warren Steel; Vice Chairman, Mark Tew; Secretary, Anne Steel; Arranging Committee, Mark Davis and Mel Kersey. Leaders: Mark Davis, 124, 61; Mel Kersey, 565, 32t; Travis Keeton, 123a, 203; Josie Hyde, 200, 434; Arnold Moore, 314, 313t; Anne Steel, 209, 179; John Hyde, 30t, 297; John Van Horn, 222, 142; Margaret Keeton, 276, 475.

    Recess.

    Warren Steel called the class together leading songs on page 418. Others who led: Gary Smith, 34b, 569b; Kurt Davis, 354, 345t; Hugh Bill McGuire, 344, 328; Patti Hook, 63, 82t; Bob Cook, 46, 457; Chris Bell, 168, 385b; Sarah Smith, 290, 129; Kevin Robinson, 490, 373; Bradley Allen, 546.

    Lunch.

    The afternoon session began with Warren Steel leading song on page 215. Other leaders: Gene Wakefield, 108b, 109; Lena Keeton, 217, 480; Dorothea McCowan, 218, 196; Wilma Mitchell, 108t, 120; Ester Mann, 143, 426t; Lisa Davis, 530, 220. As a memorial lesson, Dorothea McCowan led 245 in memory of Joseph Beasley and Aver Crider; Jack Barbera led 460 in memory of George Boswell and Toxey Fortinberry. Other leaders: Henry McGuire, 442, 183; Lee Wise, 47b, 47t; Ann Ballard, 284, 512; Robert Earl Alexander, 170, 548; Andy Davis, 436, 269; George Easley, 299; Bernice Embry, 67; Ruby Easley, 145b, 146; John Simmons, 44; Nan Johnson, 40, 45t. Following announcements, the officers led the closing song on page 288, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Robert Earl Alexander.

    Chairman - Warren Steel, mudws@olemiss.edu
    Vice-Chairman - Mark Tew, eemdt@olemiss.edu
    Secretary - Anne Steel, oxsteel@cypress.mcsr.olemiss.edu

    Bethel

    Bruce, Mississippi

    April 7, 1996

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church was called to order on Easter Sunday by Hugh Bill McGuire leading song on page 101t. T.J. Funderburk led the morning prayer. Hugh Bill McGuire then led songs on page 31b and 430, and called the following leaders: John Van Horn, 27, 131b, 126; Linda Funderburk, 32t, 37b, 39t; Warren Steel, 517, 411, 135; Bernice Embry, 67; T.J. Funderburk, 61, 68b, 75; Lisa Davis, 99, 200, 340; Mark Davis, 104, 310, 198; Anne Steel, 148, 178, 318; Henry McGuire, 316, 34t, 78; Ruby Easley, 146, 147t; Mark Tew, 40, 235, 335.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Hugh Bill McGuire called the afternoon session together leading songs on page 117, and 176t. Other leaders were: Kurt Davis, 345t, 354b; Lisa Davis, 344; Sarah Tidwell, 42, 72b; Robert Earl Alexander, 345b, 153; W.M. Allen, 490, 207; John Van Horn, 77t, 454, 236; George Easley, 438, 164; Linda Funderburk, 322, 373; Bob Cook, J.L. White edition (W)519, 154, W527; T.J. Funderburk, 30t, 45t, 569b; Virginia Carter, 139, 147b; Mark Davis, 123t, 432, 179, 280; Anne Steel, 50t, 480; Henry McGuire, 460, 434, 143; Mark Tew, 229, 288; Warren Steel, 65, 183; Hugh Bill McGuire, 236 (by request). Following announcements, Hugh Bill McGuire led the closing song on page 267, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Robert Earl Alexander.


    Poplar Springs

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    May 5, 1996

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Poplar Springs Baptist Church was called to order John Van Horn leading song on page 101t. Bro. Jeffreys led the morning prayer. John Van Horn then led songs on page 100, 63, 64, 45t, 36b, and 159, and called the following leaders: the Clark sisters, 75, 74b, 418; John Van Horn, 288, 40, 111t; Warren Steel, 129, 61, 38b, 39b, J.L. White edition (W)494, 335, 334, 127.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    John Van Horn called the afternoon session together leading songs on page 82t and 424; Other leaders: Robert Earl Alexander, 278b, 124, 294, 53; W.M. Allen, 108t, 490, 400; Charles Porter, 31b, 137, 108b, 379, 68b; George Easley, W60, W527, 313t; Hugh Bill McGuire, 58, 146; Linda Funderburk, 103, 37b, 345b; John Van Horn, 236; Clark sisters, 339, 59, 119; Warren Steel, 37b, 171, 222, 179; Robert Earl Alexander, 373; W.M. Allen, W495, W519, W517; Charles Porter, 526, 358. Following announcements, John Van Horn led the closing song on W491, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Robert Earl Alexander.


    Concord

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    May 19, 1996

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Concord Baptist Church was called to order after dinner by John Van Horn leading song on page 176t, 176b, and 460. He then called the following leaders: Mark Tew, 290, 145t, 406; Robert Earl Alexander, 373, 79, 124; the Clark sisters, 145b, 338, 288; Andy Davis, 269, 344, 434, 254; Lorene Borgognoni, J.L. White edition (W)527, W519; John Van Horn, 236; Anne Steel, 275t, 348t, 348b; Janet Jenkins, 268, 339, 388; Warren Steel, 40, 39t, 411; Mark Howle, 285t, 479; Mark Davis, 229, 47b, 171; Lisa Davis, 68b, 528, 530; Mark Davis, 304, 72b. Following announcements, the class was dismissed with prayer by John Van Horn.


    Chickasaw County Singing Convention

    Enon Primitive Baptist Church

    July 28, 1996

    The 115th annual session of the Chickasaw County Sacred Harp Singing Convention was convened at Enon Primitive Baptist Church with George Easley presiding. The session was called to order by President Easley leading song on page 59. Prayer was led by T.J. Funderburk. Leaders: W.M. Allen, 75, 108t, 104; Jimmy Smith, 569b, 82t, 83b; Hugh Bill McGuire, 36b, 37b, 569t; Katie Wilson, 145b, 335; Linda Funderburk, 32t, 47t, 48t; Ester Mann, 438, 452b, 426t; George Easley, 119.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    President Easley opened the afternoon session leading song on page 127; Charles Porter, 155, 127, 136, 31b; Robert Earl Alexander, 81t, 457, 321b; Virginia Carter, 314, 131b, 61; Johnnie Porter, J.L. White edition (W)86, 358; W.M. Allen, 339, 400; T.J. Funderburk, 282, 178, 147t, 236.

    Recess.

    The following officers were elected: T.J. Funderburk, president; W.M. Allen, vice president, Josie Griggs, secretary; Charles Porter, chaplain. Singing resumed as follows: George Easley, 341; Jimmy Smith, 565b, 282; Katie Wilson, 101t, 146; Linda Funderburk, 288, 85; Ester mann, 73b, 63; Hugh Bill McGuire, 278b, 32b; W491; Virginia Carter, 65, 46, 176b; W.M. and Hortense Allen, W495. Following announcements, motion made and carried to adjourn. George Easley led the closing song on page 47b and Robert Earl Alexander dismissed the convention with prayer.

    President - T.J. Funderburk
    Vice President - W.M. Allen
    Secretary - Josie Griggs

    Calhoun County Musical Association

    Bethel Primitive Baptist Church

    August 10, 1996

    The 119th annual session of the Calhoun County Musical Association was convened at Mt. Herman Primitive Baptist Church with Hugh Bill McGuire presiding. The session was called to order by President McGuire leading song on page 101t. Prayer was led by Elder Charles Porter. President McGuire welcomed singers and led 36b. Vice President John Van Horn led 27, 29b, 345t, 215; Secretary Virginia Carter, 48t, 56t, 126. President McGuire appointed the arrangment committee as follows: Ruby Easley, Mark Davis, and John Van Horn. The following program was presented: Hugh Bill McGuire, 40; Mark Davis, 48b, 417, 185, 178; Joe Cobb, 28b, 38b; T.J. Funderburk, 148, 146, 350; Charles Porter, 155, 137, 136. President McGuire recognized corresponding delegates from Chickasaw County Convention. Motion was made and carried to seat same. Singing resumed as follows: Jimmie Ruth Melvin, 182, 460, 222; Linda Funderburk, 127, 106, 378t; Anita Grispy, 49t, 45t. A motion was made and carried to adjourn for lunch.

    Afternoon session.

    President Hugh Bill McGuire opened the afternoon session leading songs on page 67 and 154b; John Van Horn, 383; Virginia Carter, 99, 65, 284; Ruby Easley, 535, 147t; W.M. Allen, 569b, White Edition (W)519 (Land of Beulah), 490; Regina Glass, 30b, 30t; Warren Steel, 183, 316, 418. Motion was made and carried to retain the same officers for the next year.

    Recess.

    Singing resumed as follows: Hugh Bill McGuire, 159, W60 (Nearer Home); Billy Williams, 39b, 448b, 297; John Van Horn, 236; Mark Davis, 200; Joe Cobb, 288; T.J. Funderburk, 61; Charles Porter, 379; Jimmie Ruth Melvin, 527; Linda Funderburk, 277; W.M. Allen, 75; Warren Steel, 142. 458; John Van Horn, 441, 440; T.J. Funderburk. 61; Charles Porter, 379; W.M. Allen, 490; Jean Gray, 434, 192; Junie McNeil, 176t; Linda Funderburk, 480; Mike McNeil, 268, 200; Virginia Carter, 99; Joe Cobb, 147t, 147b; Warren Steel, 163t, 163b; Durwood Scarbrough, 240, 339.

    Report of Business Committee:

    1. Committee reports collection of $43.00.
    2. Committee recommends sending $25.00 to State Convention.
    3. Committee recommends convention be held at Mt. Herman in 1996.
    4. President appoints delegates to State Convention: John Van Horn, Virginia Carter, and Hugh Bill McGuire.
    5. President appoints delegates to Chickasaw Convention: Mark Davis, Alice McGuire.
    6. President appoints business committee: Mark Davis, John Van Horn, and Ruby Easley.

    Motion made and carried to adjourn. Hugh Bill McGuire sang closing song on page 86 and Mark Davis dismissed the convention with prayer.

    President - Hugh Bill McGuire
    Vice President - John Van Horn
    Secretary/Treasurer - Virginia Carter

    Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention

    Antioch Primitive Baptist Church

    August 24-25, 1996

    Saturday, August 24

    The sixty-eighth annual session of the Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention was held at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, Scott County, Mississippi, on August 24 and 25, 1996. The Convention opened with the President, Mark Davis, leading songs on page 37b and 65. Elder Hilton Moore led in prayer. Mark Davis led 111b, then appointed Junie McNeil and Virginia Carter as the Arrangements Committee, and then presented the following program: Vice President John Van Horn 179, 74t; Secretary Jean Gray 108t, 297; Hugh Bill McGuire 298, 430; Arlon Gardner 129, 49b; Elder Charles Porter 155, 137; John Merritt 497; Cooper Revision (C)522, 145b; John Hollingsworth 460, 68b. President Davis finding a quorum present, welcomed those from far and near and called for a ten minute recess.

    Recess.

    President Davis called the convention back together leading song on page C54. Singing was resumed as follows: George Easley 313t, 299; Tim Gray 40, 61; Durward Scarborough 45t, 240; Ester Mann 426t, 503b; T.J. Funderburk 322, 569b; Linda Funderburk 330t, 328; Andrew Albers C267b. President Davis appointed Tim Gray, Arlon Gardner, and T.J. Funderburk as the Business and Credentials Committee.

    Lunch.

    The afternoon session was called to order by President Davis leading songs on pages 178 and 185. Leaders: Regina Glass 124, 126; Lisa Davis 350, 528; Virginia Carter 147b, 131b; Dennis Cranford 277, 30b; Warren Steel C422, C420; Gabriel Kastelle 209, 45t; Harry Eskew 47b, 146; Henry McGuire 442, 183; Cayla McGuire 506, 477. President Davis opened the floor for the business of electing officers for the coming year. A motion was made and carried to retain the following officers: President, Mark Davis; Vice President, John Van Horn; Chaplain, W.M. Allen; Secretary, Jean Gray. Singing was resumed with President Davis leading, by request, 236, "Easter Anthem".

    Recess.

    Singing resumed with Mark Davis leading song on page 566b. Other leaders: Junie McNeil 310, 176b; John Van Horn 306; Henry McGuire 254; Hugh Bill McGuire 215; Arlon Gardner 171; Elder Charles Porter 334; John Merritt C559; George Easley 438; Tim Gray 358; Durward Scarborough 339; Ester Mann 32t. President Davis thanked everyone present for coming, and for the bountiful lunch, and appointed Hugh Bill McGuire and Durward Scarborough as the Location Committee, and Ester Mann and John Hollingsworth as the Memorial Committee. President Davis led 46 as the closing song, and the convention was dismissed with prayer by W.M. Allen.

    Saturday, August 25

    President Mark Davis opened the second day of the convention leading songs on pages 111t and 166b. Durward Scarborough led the morning prayer. Leaders: Mark Davis 85; John Van Horn 83t, 77t; Jean Gray 143, 288; Hugh Bill McGuire 76b, 172; John Hollingsworth 36b, 192; Hugh McGuire 176t, C515; Mike McNeil 384, 101t; Billy Hollingsworth 268, 49t; Henry McGuire 276, 189; Durward Scarborough 323b, C500. Andrew Albers and Charles Franklin were appointed to the Resolution and Hospitality Committee.

    Recess.

    The afternoon session was resumed as follows: President Mark Davis 269; Andrew Albers C369, C436b; Ester Mann 147t, 39t; Cayla McGuire 60, 45t; Colvin Mann 63, 127; Darlene Reynolds 204, Christian Harmony (CH)131; Arlon Gardner 448b, 47b.

    Lunch.

    The afternoon session began with President Davis leading song on page 47t. Leaders: Drew McGuire 441; Tim Gray 47t, 434; Wilma Mitchell 84, 569b; Regina Glass 117, 278t; Junie McNeil 119, 145t; Allen Bower 49b; John Van Horn 122; Hugh Bill McGuire and Tim Gray 218; Hugh Bill McGuire 503. After reports from each committee, President Davis expressed his thanks to the people of Antioch Church and others for the food and for helping with the convention. The committee reports were accepted as read. Ester Mann and John Hollingsworth led 72 in memory of Cynthia Ledlow and 85 for the sick and shut-ins including Janice Nelson, Mae Olan Nelson, and Neva Dee Mayes. President Davis led 236.

    Recess.

    Singing resumed as follows: President Mark Davis 274t; Hugh McGuire 507b; Mike McNeil CH 204; Henry McGuire 220; Durward Scarborough 59; Wilma Mitchell J.L. White edition (W)519; Andrew Albers C506; Arlon Gardner 378t, 373. After announcements, President Davis led the closing song on page 285t, and Tim Gray dismissed the convention with prayer.

    Chairman - Mark Davis, Horn4@aol.com
    Vice-Chairman - John Van Horn
    Secretary - Jean Gray
    Chaplain - W.M. Allen

    Cherry Tree Singing

    Itawamba County, Mississippi

    August 25, 1996

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at James Creek Primitive Baptist Church was called to order by Elmer Conwill leading song on page 31t. Clayton Ezell led the morning prayer. Elmer Conwill then led songs on page 48, and the class organized by electing the following officers: Chairman, Elmer Conwill; Vice Chairman, Travis Keeton; Secretary, Mae Conwill; Arranging Committee, John Hyde. Leaders: Gene Wakefield 56t, 57; Faye Donaldson 124, 100; Lena Wakefield 460, 34b; Warren Steel 67, 396; Edith Tate 35, 76b; Willodean Barton 119, 111t; Margaret Keeton 546; Pernie Pelfrey 399b, 482; Clarence McCool 349, 430; Anne Steel 171, 268; Lucy Marie Heidorn 186, 299; Ila Ingle 441, 112.

    Recess.

    Travis Keeton called the class together leading songs on page 203 and 300. Others who led: Tressie Atkins 78, 217; Cecil Sanders 123; Flarce Creel 475, 270; Arnold Moore 208; Ivaleen Donaldson 175b; Keterina Sanders 454; Mae Conwill 273; Beatrice Brewer 176b, 384; Tom Harper 436, 530, 500; Alonzo Malone 282, 348b; Lavon Ballinger 405, 84; Johnny Humber 172, 283.

    Lunch.

    The afternoon session began with Travis Keeton leading song on page 200. Other leaders: Earl Ballinger 80; Clayton Ezell 480, 269; Gordon Wilkerson 434, 380; Marie Aldridge 192, 88t; Gabriel Kastelle 421, 198; Josie Hyde 507; Gravis Ballinger 110; Kermit Adams 276, 426t; Harrison Creel 512, 342; Linton Ballinger 290; Julietta Haynes 216; Edwin Ballinger 168, 445; Larry Ballinger 91; Dorothea McCowan 196, 304; Estes Jackson 95; Ann Ballard 408; Ercell Jackson 145b; Betty Baccus 294, 392; John Beasley 317; John Hyde 73t, 63. Following announcements, Elmer Conwill led the closing song on page 58, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Harrison Creel.

    Chairman - Elmer Conwill
    Vice-Chairman - Travis Keeton
    Secretary - Mae Conwill

    Air Mount

    Yalobusha County, Mississippi

    September 22, 1996

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Loosascoona Primitive Baptist Church was called to order by Hugh Bill Mcguire leading song on page 171. Lee Wise led the morning prayer. Hugh Bill McGuire led songs on page 176t and 39t, and called the following leaders: John Van Horn 69t, 106; Warren Steel, 138b, 189, 65; Arlon Gardner, 117, 277, 148; Lisa Davis, 340, 47t, 269; Lee Wise, 235; Anne Steel, 61, 32b, 335; Mark Davis, 47b, 344, 436; Regina Glass, 191, 29t, 267; Kayla McGuire, 209, 511; George Easley, 313, 299.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    The afternoon session was called to order by Hugh Bill McGuire leading song on page 142 and 203. Other leaders were: Mark Tew, 318, 339, 354b; Willa Dean Brunett, 108t, 341; Bob Cook, 46, 457, 361; Patti Hook, 82t; Henry McGuire, 300, 454, 442; T.J. Funderburk, 45t, 33b, 75; Adam Frost, 430, 434; Linda Funderburk, 293, 371b, 40; Drew McGuire, 491; Janet Jenkins, 268, 63, 358; Andy Davis, 236, 154, 460; John Van Horn, 68b; Arlon Gardner, 129; Warren Steel, 215; Mark Davis, 200; Regina Glass, 497; Mark Tew, 89; Bob Cook and Will Dean Brunett, J.L. White edition (W) 527; George Easley, 323b; Following announcements, the class was dimissed by Hugh Bill McGuire leading song on page 163 and the class was dismissed with prayer by Gordon Cotton.


    Mississippi College

    Clinton, Mississippi

    September 28, 1996

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Mississippi College was called to order by Mark Davis leading songs on pages 123, 101t, and 30t. The opening prayer was led by Colvin Mann. Singing resumed with leaders: Tim Gray 40, 45t, 146; Durward Scarborough 68b, 240; Jean Gray 108t, 143; Dennis Cranford 178, 145t, 277; Wilma Ann Mitchell 147t, 63, 569b; Mittie Kay Smith 87, 72b; Johnney Alford 155, 176b, 137; Hubert Williams 335, 480.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    The afternoon session began with Mark Davis leading songs on pages 111t and 111b. Singing resumed with leaders: Junie McNeil 32t, 36b; Everett McLellan 37b, 48t; Regina Glass 268; Esther Mann 39, 438, 565; Lisa Davis 127, 217, 479; Colvin Mann 49t, 354b, 164; Lewis Oswalt 128, 58, 358; Bonnie Blu Williams 49b, 82; Helen Hey 159; James Metts 288, 314. The class sang 46t and was dismissed in prayer by Mark Davis.

    Chairman - Mark Davis
    Secretary - Lewis Oswalt

    Taylor

    Lafayette County, Mississippi

    September 29, 1996

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Taylor United Methodist Church (formerly held at Pilgrim's Rest Primitive Baptist Church) was called to order by Warren Steel leading song on page 48t. Rev. Annette Ford led the morning prayer. Warren Steel led song on page 148 and 418, and called the following leaders: John Van Horn, 52t, 73t, 64, 53; Hugh Bill McGuire, 51, 66, 40; Anne Steel, 171, 65, 318; Bob Cook, 46, 82, 547; Mark Tew, 47t, 47b, 406; Tammy Turner, 155, 274t; Tom Takayama, 457, 460, 332; Warren Steel, 277, 45t, 276; John Van Horn, 535, 270.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Warren Steel called the class together leading song on page 179 and 36b. Other leaders: Benjamin Jenkins and Bob Cook, J.L. White edition (W)527 "Lady Touch Thy Harp Again," W519 "Land of Beulah," W517 "Not Made with Hands"; Janet Jenkins, 72b, 388, 268; Hugh Bill McGuire, 275t, 273, 272; Anne Steel, 426t, 542, 129; Andy Davis, 164, 200, 222, 224, 430; Bob Cook, 361; Mark Tew, 30t, 108b, 490, 117; John Van Horn, 236, 149; Frank Layton, 110, 136, 137; Janet Jenkins, 339, 338, 434; Benjamin Jenkins, 358, 288; Mike Caldwell, 345b, 114; John Van Horn, W512 "Pray On"; Warren Steel, 45t. Following announcements Warren Steel led the closing song on page 62, and the class was dismissed with prayer by H.B. McGuire.

    [ Sacred Harp Singings | Warren Steel | Music Dept. | UM Home ]