Mississippi Sacred Harp Singings

Selected Minutes, 1997

  • Oxford City Hall
  • Bethel
  • Calhoun County Courthouse
  • Sherman
  • Chickasaw County Convention
  • Calhoun County Convention
  • Mississippi State Convention
  • Cherry Tree
  • Air Mount (Loosascoona)
  • Mississippi College
  • Taylor
  • [ Minutes of 1996 Singings ]

    [ Minutes of 1995 Singings ]


    Oxford City Hall

    Oxford, Mississippi

    March 9, 1997

    The seventeenth annual Sacred Harp singing at Oxford City Hall was called to order by Warren Steel leading songs on page 48t and 126. Mark Davis led the morning prayer. Mark Tew led songs on page 108b and 36b, and the class organized by electing the following officers: Chairman, Warren Steel; Vice Chairman, Mark Tew; Secretary, Anne Steel; Arranging Committee, Mark Davis and Elmer Conwill. Leaders: Anne Steel, 318, 107; Mel Kersey, 47b, 47t; John Van Horn, 209, 306; Lisa Davis, 217, 528; Regina Glass, 117, 201; Bob Cook, 46, 457; Cecil Sanders, 475, 225t; Gene Wakefield, 56t, 57; Chris Bell, 384, 546.

    Recess.

    Warren Steel called the class together leading song on page 392. Others who led: Travis Keeton, 388, 179; Lena Wakefield, 371, 498; John Hyde, 63, 73t; Ila V. Ingle, 500, 530; Mae Conwill, 358, 294; Josie Hyde, 269, 434; Margaret Keeton, 276, 29t; Keterina Sanders, 454, 460.

    Lunch.

    The afternoon session began with Mark Davis leading song on page 122. Other leaders: Elmer Conwill, 411, 396; Dorothea McCowan, 344, 304; Ann Ballard, 100, 512; Ron Nurnberg, 339, 335. Warren Steel led song on page 338 in memory of singers deceased since last year, including Tom Harper, Lola Roberson, Halie Armstrong, and Janice Nelson. Other leaders: Hugh Bill McGuire, 133, 200; Nellie Davis, 45t, 119; Clarice Thompson and Becky Morgan, 61; Mark Tew, 406; Mark Davis, 189; Gene Wakefield, 136; Chris Bell, 30t; Lena Wakefield, 124; John Hyde, 297; Ila V. Ingle, 112; Josie Hyde, 234; Elmer Conwill, 101t; Dorothea McCowan, 196; Ann Ballard, 284; Mel Kersey, 503; John Van Horn, 236; Nan Johnson, 40; Dustin McCowan, 30t; Kurt Davis, 345t. Following announcements, Warren Steel led the closing song on page 69t, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Hugh Bill McGuire.

    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 6, 1997

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church was called to order 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, 445, 448b, 448t; T.J. Funderburk, 30t, 31t, 33b; Anne Steel, 447, 200, 129; Regina Glass, 312b, 81t; Linda Funderburk, 418, 318, 85; Bob Cook, 87, J.L. White edition (W)519, 457; Virgina Carter, 36b, 131b, 290; Henry McGuire, 212, 171, 177; Warren Steel, 65, 299, 440; Kayla McGuire, 40; Ruby Easley, 146.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Hugh Bill McGuire called the afternoon session together leading songs on page 176t, and 183. Other leaders were: John Van Horn, 182; Wilma Mitchell, 480, 68b; Lydia Hamby, 147t, 178; Robert Earl Alexander, 80, 53, 438, 34b; Benjamin Jenkins, 179, 433; Lisa Davis, 327, 198; Janet Jenkins, 274t, 268, 117; Mark Davis, 67, 391, 150; W.M. Allen, 144, W495 (Mother Tell Me of the Angels); John Van Horn, 236; T.J. Funderburk, 61, 75; Anne Steel, 74b, 142; Bob Cook, 485, W527; Regina Glass, 162, 442; Mark Davis, 123t; Henry McGuire, 460, 189; Linda Funderburk, 119, 328; Warren Steel, 163b, 352; Wilma Mitchell, 39t. Following announcements, Hugh Bill McGuire led the closing song on page 86, and the class was dismissed with prayer by T.J. Funderburk.


    Calhoun County Courthouse

    Pittsboro, Mississippi

    May 11, 1997

    A special Sacred Harp singing was held at the monthly meeting of the Calhoun County Genealogical and Historical Society at the Calhoun County Courthouse in Pittsboro. John Ed Carter addressed the meeting with historical anecdotes and information concerning Sacred Harp music. Having taken their places, the singers were called to order by Warren Steel leading song on page 31b and 30t. Other leaders were: John Van Horn, 45t, 40; Charles Porter, 155, 136; W.M. Allen, 108t, 145b; T.J. Funderburk, 61, 569b; Robert Earl Alexander, J.L. White edition (W)494 (Don't Grieve Your Mother); Anne Steel, 209, 480; Ruby Easley, 146; George Easley, (W)527 (Lady, Touch Thy Harp Again); Linda Funderburk, 58, 39t; George Fred Carter, 127; Virginia Carter, 119; John Van Horn, 236. Warren Steel led the closing song on page 36b, and the class was dismissed with prayer.


    Sherman

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    June 1, 1997

    The annual Hill Roane memorial Sacred Harp Singing at Sherman Baptist Church was called to order by Mark Davis leading songs on page 30t and 37b. T.J. Funderburk led the morning prayer. Mark Davis then led songs on page 176t and 137, and called the following leaders: Mark Tew, 268, 176b, 47b; Arlon Gardiner, 448b, 186, 378t, 410t; T.J. Funderburk, 45t, 147t, 569b; Virginia Carter, 47t, 131b, 46.

    Recess.

    Mark Davis called the class together leading song on page 278b. Other leaders: John Van Horn, 39b, 212, 418, 89; Regina Glass, 480, 142, 378b; Warren Steel, 148, 36t, 36b, 110; Lydia Hamby, 340, 512, 482; Linda Funderburk, 146, 197, 32t.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Arlon Gardner called the afternoon session together leading song on page 53. Mark Davis then led song on page 209, and called other leaders: Andy Davis, 254, 430, 269; Sarah Tidwell, 84, 42, 143; Janet Jenkins, 200, 313, 339; George Easley, 438, 34b; Ben Burroughs, 128, 162, 155; Charles Porter, 159, 136, 379; Benjamin Jenkins, 351, 189; Kurt Davis, 354b; Mark Davis, 236; Mark Tew, 111t; Arlon Gardiner, 49b, 116; T.J. Funderburk, 61; Virginia Carter, 139; John Van Horn, 373; Regina Glass, 442; Warren Steel, 376; Lydia Hamby, 127; Linda Funderburk, 85; Andy Davis, 434; Janet Jenkins, 117, George Easley, W60 (Nearer Home); Charles Porter, W154 (Eden); Benjamin Jenkins, 309; Hugh Bill McGuire, W519; Nellie Davis, W527. Following announcements, Mark Davis led the closing song on page 285t, and Elder Charles Porter dismissed the class with prayer.

    Chairman - Mark Davis, horn4@aol.com
    Secretary - Warren Steel, mudws@mail.olemiss.edu

    Chickasaw County Singing Convention

    Enon Primitive Baptist Church

    July 27, 1997

    The 116th annual session of the Chickasaw County Sacred Harp Singing Convention was convened at Enon Primitive Baptist Church with T. J. Funderburk presiding. The session was called to order by President Funderburk leading song on page 30t. Prayer was led by Jimmy Porter. Leaders: T.J. Funderburk, 26, 27; W.M. Allen, 144, 75, 145t; John Van Horn, 83t, 111b, 64; Hugh Bill McGuire, 95b, 74b; Regina Glass, 39t, 48b, 43; Lydia Hamby, 229, 448t, 99; George Easley and Phetema Tucker, 418, 313t, 34b; Linda Funderburk, 68b, 127, 148; Katie Wilson, 119, 145b; Jimmy Smith, 569b, 489b, 343b; T.J. Funderburk, 45t.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    President T. J. Funderburk opened the afternoon session leading songs on page 61 and 322; Robert Earl Alexander, 31b, 318; Charles Porter, 155, 137, 136, 379; Esther Mann, 124, 426t, 480; W.M. Allen, J.L. White edition (W)519; 490; John Van Horn, 460, 297, 512. The following officers were elected: T.J. Funderburk, president; W.M. Allen, vice president, Josie Griggs, secretary; Charles Porter, chaplain.

    Recess.

    Singing resumed as follows: John Van Horn, 236; Regina Glass, 86, 70b; Lydia Hamby, 290, 291, 117; Jimmy Smith, 457, 505, 565b; George Easley, 438, 582; Mark Davis, 109, 417; Linda Funderburk, 163t, 122, 123b.

    Report of Committees:

    1. President appoints delegates to State Convention: W.M. Allen, Charles Porter, Jimmy Porter.
    2. President appoints delegates to Calhoun Convention: Linda Funderburk, Beth Porter, Maybellene Easley. Hugh Bill McGuire, and Mark Davis.
    3. Committee recommends sending $33.00 to State Convention.
    4. Committee recommends convention be held at Enon in 1998.

    Following announcements, motion made and carried to adjourn. T.J. Funderburk led the closing song on page 62 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 9, 1997

    The 120th 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 31b. Prayer was led by Mark Davis. President McGuire appointed the arrangment committee as follows: George Carter, Mark Davis, and John Van Horn. Vice President John Van Horn led 34B, 101t, 106; President sang 97, followed by Secretary Virginia Carter, 77t, 84, and the following program was presented: T.J. Funderburk, 30t, 50t, 80t; Charles Porter, 155, 40, 379; W.M. Allen, 108t, 75, 378t; Linda Funderburk, 47t, 135, 163t; Warren Steel, 150, 148, 142. President acknowledged delegates from Chickasaw County, who were duly seated. Other leaders: Arlon Gardner, 410t, 39t, 39b; Mark Davis, 398, 399, 350; George Easley, 143, 299; Joe Cobb, 28b, 38b.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    President Hugh Bill McGuire opened the afternoon session leading songs on page 85 and 556; John Van Horn, 406; Virginia Carter, 48t, 123, 235; Anne Steel, 59, 383, 546; Lydia Hamby, 354, 64; James Sutherland, 100, 358, 460; T. J. Funderburk, 61, 147t; Charles Porter 36b, 37t; Linda Funderburk, 293, 377; Warren Steel, 375, 315; John Van Horn, 236.

    Recess.

    The following officers were elected: John Van Horn, president; Virginia Carter, Secretary-Treasurer.

    Report of Business Committee:

    1. Committee reports collection of $57.00.
    2. Committee recommends sending $25.00 to State Convention.
    3. Committee recommends convention be held at Mt. Herman in 1998.
    4. President appoints delegates to State Convention: Virginia Carter, Nora Parker, and Hugh Bill McGuire.
    5. President appoints delegates to Chickasaw Convention: George Carter, Hugh Bill McGuire, and Mark Davis.

    Singing resumed as follows: Hugh Bill McGuire, 68t, 29b; Arlon Gardner, 117, 457; Mark Davis, 29t, 107; George Easley, 438, 527; Joe Cobb, 127, 147b; Anne Steel, 318; Lydia Hamby, 49t, J.L. White edition (W) 519; George Carter, 205. Following announcements, motion made and carried to adjourn. Elder Charles Porter dismissed the convention with prayer.

    President - John Van Horn
    Secretary/Treasurer - Virginia Carter

    Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention

    Antioch Primitive Baptist Church

    August 23-24, 1997

    Saturday, August 23

    The sixty-ninth 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 36b. Elder Charles Porter led in prayer. Mark Davis led 209, then appointed Junie McNeil, Christine McNeil, and Regina Glass as the Arrangements Committee. Secretary Jean Gray led 108t and 82t. President Davis appointed Arlon Gardner, Lydia Hamby, and Hugh McGuire as the Business and Credentials Committee. Then, finding a quorum present, the President welcomed those from far and near. Program: Hugh McGuire, Cooper Revision (C)516, 498; Warren Steel 27, 411; Elder Charles Porter 155, 379; John Hollingsworth 192, 196; Charles Franklin 68b, 176t; Joe Cobb 28b, 38b; Wanda Gregg 40, 515.

    Recess.

    Vice President John Van Horn called the convention back together leading song on page 72b. Singing was resumed as follows: George Easley 313t, 299; Andrew Albers C507t, C507b; Dennis Cranford 312b, 200; Sharona Neslon 452b, 203; Ben Burroughs 178, 63; Angela Benton 147t, 358; Arlon Gardner 378t, 39t.

    Lunch.

    The afternoon session was called to order by President Davis leading song on page 47t. Leaders: Billy Hollingsworth 186, 236; John Kanode 571, C229; Jimmy Smith 457, 569b; Elizabeth Muhleisen 503, 64; Floyd Bennett 127; Bill Hogan 300, 99; Nancy Van Den Akker 38t; C78; Regina Glass 163b, 142; Henry McGuire 298, 183; L.V. Smith 58, 61. 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, Arlon Gardner; Secretary, Jean Gray.

    Recess.

    Singing resumed with Mark Davis leading song on page 270. Other leaders: Mike McNeil C501, C573; Ester Mann 426, 480; Georgia Kanode 395, 143; Durward Scarborough 339, 240. President Davis appointed Mae Ola Nelson, Hugh Bill McGuire, and Elder Charles Porter as the Location Committee, and John Hollingsworth and Wanda Gregg as the Memorial Committee. Leaders: Junie McNeil 319, 119; Hugh Bill McGuire C563, C522. President Davis led "The Drone" as the closing song, and the convention was dismissed with prayer by Arlon Gardner.

    Sunday, August 24

    President Mark Davis opened the second day of the convention leading songs on pages 101t and 123t. Arlon Gardner led the morning prayer. Leaders: Mark Davis 274t; John Van Horn 217, 146; Jean Gray 143, 418; Arlon Gardner Christian Harmony (CH)130t, 410t; Christine McNeil CH 204t; Hugh McGuire C39, 216; Wanda Gregg 460, 339; Floyd Bennett C72; Wilma Mitchell 47t, 39t.

    Recess.

    The afternoon session was resumed as follows: Vice President John Van Horn 111t; Nancy Van Den Akker 475, C361; George Easley J.L. White edition (W)527; 438; Sharona Nelson 143, 36b; Billy Hollingsworth 162, CH372; John Kanode C573, 63; Elizabeth Muhleisen 87, 269; Charles Franklin C518, 47b.

    Lunch.

    The afternoon session began with President Davis leading song on page 448t. Leaders: John Hollingsworth 434, 282; Regina Glass 332, 215; Bill Hogan 475, 53; Angela Benton 268, 254; Mike McNeil 308, CH316; Neva Dee Mayes and Eva Dee Wyatt 176t, 145b; Ester Mann 32t, 34b, 297; Mark Davis appointed Wilma Mitchell and Ester Mann as Resolutions and Hospitality Committee. Kurt Davis and Kayla McGuire 354, 345t; John Merritt 358, C138. 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. John Hollingsworth and Wanda Gregg led 235 in memory of Janice Nelson. Singing resumed with Arlon Gardner 117; Brenda Merritt 192, 336; Henry McGuire 442, 430; Durward Scarborough C500, 45t; Hugh Bill McGuire 218, 220; John Merritt C572; Hugh McGuire C393; Nancy Van Den Akker C571; Wanda Gregg 408; Bill Hogan CH255; Elizabeth Muhleisen C503. After announcements, President Davis led the closing song on page 62, and Arlon Gardner dismissed the convention with prayer.

    Chairman - Mark Davis, Horn4@aol.com
    Vice-Chairman - John Van Horn
    Secretary - Jean Gray
    Chaplain - Arlon Gardner

    Cherry Tree Singing

    Itawamba County, Mississippi

    August 24, 1997

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at James Creek Primitive Baptist Church was called to order by Elmer Conwill leading song on page 34t. Harrison Creel led the morning prayer. The class organized by electing the following officers: Chairman, Elmer Conwill; Vice Chairman, Travis Keeton; Secretary, Mae Conwill; Arranging Committee, Lena Wakefield. Leaders: Travis Keeton 297, 314; Mae Conwill 159, 142; Wayne Baines 40, 59; Ivalene Donaldson 175b, 145b; Alonzo Malone 183, 203; Lucy Marie Heidorn 33b, 63; Warren Steel 65, 411; Beth Odell 477, 217; Gene Wakefield 102, 103.

    Recess.

    Travis Keeton called the class together leading song on page 98. Others who led: Pernie Pelfrey 137, 399b; Henry Schuman 388, 100; Gravis Ballinger 101t, 144; Anna Lou Price 143, 318; Arnold Moore 460, 480; Marie Aldridge 436; Clarence McCool 349, 428; Ann Jett 141, 136; Cecil Sanders 225; Ila Ingle 442, 434.

    Lunch.

    The afternoon session began with Elmer Conwill leading song on page 500. Other leaders: Pauline Childers 475, 497; Edwin Ballinger 42, 89; Josie Hyde 138t, 507; Beatrice Brewer 123, 373; Julietta Haynes 211, 216; Harrison Creel 498, 111t; Larry Ballinger 79, 151; John Hyde 61, 73t; Odie Horton 378b, 37t; Johnny Humber 382, 441; Dorothea McCowan 133, 200; Dustin McCowan 354; Earl Ballinger 171, 299; Edith Tate 146, 155; Ercell Jackson 277, 72t; Estes Jackson 186, 176t; John Beasley 406; Lena Wakefield 288, 285t. Following announcements, Elmer Conwill and Travis Keeton led the closing song on page 179, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Estes Jackson.

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

    Air Mount

    Yalobusha County, Mississippi

    September 28, 1997

    The annual Sacred Harp singing on the site of the old Loosascoona Primitive Baptist Church was called to order by John Van Horn leading song on page 73t. Gordon Cotton led the morning prayer. John Van Horn led songs on page 73b, 72b and 72t, and called the following leaders: Hugh Bill McGuire, 70t, 39t, 286; Arlon Gardner, 183, 406, 38b; Regina Glass, 168, 189, 131t; Bob Cook, 46, 457, J.L. White edition (W)519; Anne Steel, 192, 31t, 275t, 275b; Mark Davis, 36b, 180, 81t, 436; Warren Steel, 144, 142, 419, 418.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    The afternoon session was called to order by Hugh Bill McGuire leading song on page 274b. Other leaders were: John Van Horn, 222, 40, 119; Virginia Carter, 179, 147b; Arlon Gardner, 448t; Janet Jenkins, 339, 288, 268; Bob Cook, 314, 79, W527; Andy Davis, 273, 269, 430; Regina Glass, 212, 112; Anne Steel, 318, 121, 209; John Van Horn, 236.

    Recess.

    Hugh Bill Mcguire called the class together leading song on page 188. Other leaders: Mark Davis, 122; Kurt Davis, 354, 345t; Mark Davis 107; Warren Steel, 349, 285t, 277; Virginia Carter, 358; Janet Jenkins, 117, 82t; Andy Davis, 68b, 137; Regina Glass, 34t; John Van Horn, 83t. Following announcements, the class was dimissed by Hugh Bill McGuire leading The Drone ("We're Traveling to the Grave") and the class was dismissed with prayer by Arlon Gardner.


    Mississippi College

    Clinton, Mississippi

    October 11, 1997

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Mississippi College was called to order by Mark Davis leading songs on pages 37b, 36b, and 274. The opening prayer was led by Mark Davis. Leaders: Mark Davis 87; Jean Gray 108t, 418; Durward Scarborough 240, 45t; Ben Burroughs 155, 178, 200; Wilma Mitchell 145b, 147t, 120.

    Recess.

    Singing resumed with leaders: Mark Davis 299; Tim Gray 46, 40, 460; Regina Glass 117, 30b; Junie McNeil 288, 145t; Esther Mann 426t, 85, 32t.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    The afternoon session began with Mark Davis leading songs on pages 146 and 126. Leaders: Dennis Cranford 277, 229, 81t; Lewis Oswalt 128, 82t, 63; Mark Davis 254; Jean Gray 297, 434; Durward Scarborough 339; Ben Burroughs 66, 192; Tim Gray 358; Regina Glass 144; Junie McNeil 58, 64; Esther Mann 569b, 480, 438; Dennis Cranford 47b, 209; Michael Mosby 159; Jinie Choy 49b; Tia Mosby 39t; Wilma Mitchell 47t, 61. Announcements were made. Mark Davis led songs on pages 189 and 314 for the closing songs. The class was dismissed with prayer by Lewis Oswalt.

    Chairman - Mark Davis
    Secretary - Lewis Oswalt

    Taylor

    Lafayette County, Mississippi

    October 12, 1997

    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 songs on page 138b and 48t. George Easley led the morning prayer. Warren Steel led song on page 36b, and called the following leaders: John Van Horn, 101t, 52t, 148; Virginia Carter, 175, 569b; Regina Glass, 53, 160b, 411; Bob Lence, 180, 183, 163t; Bob Cook, 457, 149, J.L. White edition (W)519 ("Land of Beulah"); George Easley, 34b, 313t, W527 ("Lady Touch Thy Harp Again"); Anne Steel, 124, 318, 65, 480; Hugh Bill McGuire, 479, 477, 208; Warren Steel, 61, 323b, 383.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Warren Steel called the class together leading song on page 112. He also led W511 ("Willie") for Lloyd Metts, and 288. Other leaders: William Fitzgerald, 448t; John Van Horn, 290, 209; Virginia Carter, 108b, 99, 49b; Regina Glass, 271b, 271t, 272, 273; Bob Lence, 66, 84, 163b, 86; Bob Cook, 87, 46 (inviting novice singers into the square), 299; Kayla McGuire, 40; George Easley, 438, 341; John Van Horn, 236 ("Easter Anthem"), Henry McGuire, 442, 298, 142, 460; Anne Steel, 178, 269, 268; Hugh Bill McGuire, 51, 385b, 394; Sherry Styers, 276; Warren Steel, 45t, in memory of Shaw Baker; Steve DePriest, 85. Following announcements Warren Steel led the closing songs on page 340 and 285t, and the class was dismissed with prayer by John Van Horn.

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