The Covington County New Years Singing was held on the first Saturday in January at the First Baptist Church in Collins, Mississippi. The class was called to order by Andrew Albers leading 500 and 508. Chaplain Emmett Harvey offered the opening prayer. The class was organized with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman -- Andrew Albers; Vice Chairman -- John Lee Van Horn; Secretary -- Etna Jean Gray; Chaplain -- Emmett Harvey. Leaders: Andrew Albers 196; John Lee Van Horn 225t, 140; Jean Gray 563; Andrew Albers (for Emmett Harvey) 57; John Hollingsworth 145b (in memory of Eva Dee and Neva Dee Hollingsworth), 470; Billy Hollingsworth 507b, 235b; Bill Hogan 171, 99; A.E. Probst 239; Stanley Smith 112, 515; Gary Smith 553b, 461.
Andrew Albers called the class together with 378t and 95. Leaders: Marlin Beasley 336t, 336b; J.A. Mosley 572, 282; Alice Mosley 343b, 484b; Sarah Smith 290, 32t; Bobby Caldwell and Winnie McMahon 184 (CH); Mark Davis 107 (by request). Andrew Albers led 369 (traditional song before the noon meal).
Vice Chairman John Lee Van Horn called the class together for the afternoon session with 127. Leaders: Arlon Gardner 134, 543; Henry McGuire 507t, 280; Mark Davis 270, 522; Mike McNeil 573, 559; John Merritt 574, 278b; Murray Simmons 355, 345b; Mike McNeil 101t (by request); Tim Gray 186, 137; Mike McNeil, his mother (Junie McNeil), and sister (Peggy Gandy) 146; Bill Hogan 488b (by request); Hannah Albers and Rhoda Albers 392; Andrew Albers 323b (requested by Nelda Mitchell); A.E. Probst 40; John Hollingsworth 192 (in memory of Mrs. Ottie Matthews); Billy Hollingsworth 393t; Marlin Beasley 447t; Stanley Smith 541; J.A. Mosley 341; Gary Smith 31t; Sarah Smith 61; Andrew Albers 492; John Lee Van Horn 45b; Tim Gray 434 (for Jean Gray); Arlon Gardner 68t, 300; Henry McGuire 220; Andrew Albers 128 (for Emmett Harvey); Mark Davis 176t (in memory of the Millage Hollingsworth family); Bobby Caldwell and Mark Davis 54t; John Merritt 358 (for Nelda Mitchell); Andrew Albers and Walter Blair 511b. Chairman Andrew Albers led 496t, the traditional closing song. Chaplain Emmett Harvey offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.
Chairman - Andrew Albers
Vice-Chairman - John Lee Van Horn
Secretary - Etna Jean Gray
The twenty-fourth annual Sacred Harp singing at Oxford City Hall was called to order by Warren Steel leading song on page 48t. Mark Davis led the morning prayer. Mark Tew led songs on page 108t and 139, and the class organized by electing the following officers: Chairman, Warren Steel; Vice Chairman, Mark Tew; Secretary, John Merritt; Arranging Committee, Brenda Merritt and Lisa Geist. Leaders: John Merritt, 294 426; Sandie Scott, 108b, 86; Bridgett Hill, 276, 440; Earl Ballinger, 430, 283; John Van Horn, 29b, 340; Ron Nurnberg, 288, 335; Kurt Davis, 45t; Elene Stovall, 215, 216; Edward Howton, 373, 436; Olivia Hill, 24b, 99; Flarce Creel, 384, 448b.
Mark Davis called the class together leading song on page 213. Others who led: Natalie Davis, 354; David Carlton, 56b, 189; Leon Ballinger, 195, 269; Lee Wise and Carol Rushing, 341, 40; Ken Tate, 442, 224; Beth Odell, 270, 546; Tim Reynolds, 107, 547; Danny Creel, 182, 222; Lena Keeton, 460, 475; Max Berueffy, 306, 220; Lisa Geist, 327, 528.
The afternoon session began with Warren Steel leading song on page 176t. Other leaders: Andy Davis, 379; Eric Schedler, 344, 455; Diane Menella, 349, 30t; Dennis George, 543, 532; Anne Steel, 348b; Dena Holley and Susie Wise, 58; Bethanne Hill, 39t; Marlin Beasley, 408; Larry Ballinger, 151; Harrison Creel, 498, 530. A memorial lesson was held for singers and loved ones departed in the past year. Leon Ballinger and Max Berueffy led 424 in memory of Lavaughn Ballinger, Alonzo Malone and Bruce Randolph. Mark Tew led 285t in memory of Minnie Lee Pryor, W.T. Wortham and Walter Wade. Earl Ballinger led the memorial prayer. End of memorial lesson. Leaders: Chuck Howell, 127; Tobi Peterson, 68b; Gravis Ballinger, 112; Charles Porter, 155; Sarah Tidwell, 33b; Amber Davis, 196; Bunk Beasley, 72b; Henry McGuire, 290; Phil Kliewer, 318; Mark Davis, 282, 236; Hugh Bill McGuire, 209, 268; Katie Zukof, 410t; Brenda Merritt, 142. Following announcements, the officers led the closing song on page 235, and Elder Charles Porter dismissed the class with prayer.
Chairman - Warren Steel, mudws@olemiss.edu
Vice-Chairman - Mark Tew, eemdt@olemiss.edu
Secretary - John Merritt
The annual Sacred Harp singing at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church was called to order by Hugh Bill McGuire leading song on page 138b. John Van Horn led the morning prayer. Hugh Bill McGuire then led songs on page 36b and 40, and called the following leaders: John Van Horn, 566, 72b, 73t; Virginia Carter, 48t, 99, 147b; Anne Steel, 163t, 209, 480; Brenda Merritt, 224, 460; Warren Steel, 479, 453, 229; John Merritt, 101t, 100, 47t.
Hugh Bill McGuire called the class together leading songs on page 146. Leaders: Mark Davis, 181, 137, 139; Kurt Davis, 45t, 274t; Natalie Davis, 354b, John Van Horn, 125, 126; Hugh Bill McGuire, 128.
After lunch, Hugh Bill McGuire called the afternoon session together leading song on page 74b and 37b. Other leaders were: John Van Horn, 358; T.J. Funderburk, 63, 61, 569b; Andy Davis, 434, 430, 254; Anne Steel, 268, 269; Robert Earl Alexander, 282, 290; Linda Funderburk, 288, 361, 373; Brenda Merritt, 270, 448t, 67; Warren Steel, 378b, 440, 67; George Easley, 299, 438.
Mark Davis called the class together leading song on page 112 and 236. Other leaders: John Merritt, 145t, 144, 475; Eric Schedler, 546, 528, 276; W.M. Allen, 75, 490; Brian Harrison, 457; Katie Zukof, 178; Charles Porter, 155; Andy Davis, 334. Following announcements, Hugh Bill McGuire led the closing song on page 122, and the class was dismissed with prayer by T.J. Funderburk.
The annual Sacred Harp singing at Concord Baptist Church was called to order after dinner by John Van Horn leading song on page 34b. He led an opening prayer and continued with songs on page 383 and 384, and called the following leaders: Andy Davis, 203, 200, 269; Wanda Gregg, 40, 460, 53; Anne Steel, 318, 215, 235; Katie Zukov, 155; Kurt Davis, 45t, 274t; Mark Davis, 209, 36b, 436; Natalie Davis, 354b; Warren Steel, 270, 313t, 142; Debbie Dunn, J.L. White edition (W)494, 446, 47t; Ann Fox, 143, 28b; John Van Horn, 236; Eric Schedler, 528, 457, 455; Linda Funderburk, 358, 108b; Hugh Bill McGuire, 416, 196, W511; Andy Davis, 430, 434, 254; Linda Jenkins, W519; Anne Steel, 268; Eric Schedler, 546; Mark Davis, 304; Ann Fox, 68b. Following announcements, Mark Davis dismissed the class with prayer.
The fifty-fifth annual Hill Roane memorial Sacred Harp Singing at Sherman Baptist Church was called to order by Mark Davis leading songs on page 30t, 567 and 37b. He then led the morning prayer and called the following leaders: John Van Horn, 212, 106, 179; Arlon Gardner, 448t, 448b, 83t; Natalie Davis, 354b, Warren Steel, 270, 201, 313, 317; Henry McGuire, 276, 182, 183, 112, 72b, 40; Hugh Bill McGuire, 72t.
Mark Davis called the class together leading song on page 382, 150, J.L. White edition (W)154 ("Eden"). Other leaders: Andy Davis, 424.
Mark Davis called the afternoon session leading songs on page 101t and 371. Other leaders: Andy Davis, 254, 209, 269, 400, 288; Eric Schedler, 189, 146, 159; Katie Zukof, 304, 122; Kurt Davis, 100, 137, 136; John Van Horn, 220, 375, 155, 218; Warren Steel, 214, 215, 69t, 71; Henry McGuire, 156, 434, 442, 460; John Van Horn, 236.
Mark Davis called the class together leading songs on page 350 and 446. Other leaders: Natalie Davis, 345t, 345b; Eric Schedler, 86, 344. Following announcements, Mark Davis led the closing song on page 46, and Hugh Bill McGuire dismissed the class with prayer.
Chairman - Mark Davis
Secretary - Warren Steel
The annual Sacred Harp Singing at Oak Springs Church was called to order by John Van Horn leading song on page 63. Rev. Bill Baker led the morning prayer. John Van Horn then led songs on page 45t, 81t, and 72b, and called the following leaders: Warren Steel, 83t, 39t, 39b, 141; James Ellis Simpson, J.L. White edition (W)519; W494, W517; Ginnie Ely, 84, 36b, 146; John Van Horn, 40, 159, 457, 162; At 11:00, the regular preaching service followed.
John Van Horn called the class to order after dinner leading songs on page 111t, 111b, 112, and 119. Other leaders: W.M. Allen, 145b, 145t, 75, 108t; George Easley, 34b, 523, 418; Curtis Bryant, 323b, 127, Christian Harmony (CH)248; Robert Earl Alexander, 397, 99, 124; Warren Steel, 179, 285t, 288, 297; Ginnie Ely, 313t, 434, 236; John Van Horn, 373, 338, 346; W.M. Allen, 282; George Easley, 143; Robert Earl Alexander, 294, 170; Hugh Bill McGuire, W511, W512; John Van Horn, 186. Following announcements, John Van Horn led the closing song on page 62 and the class was dismissed with prayer by R.E. Alexander.
The annual Cherry Tree Singing at James Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Itawamba County, Mississippi was held on the fourth Sunday in July. The class was called to order by John Merritt leading 59. Dale Kennedy offered the morning prayer. The class was organized for the day with the following officers elected or appointed to serve: Chairman - Dale Kennedy; Vice Chairman - John Merritt; Secretary - Brenda Merritt. Leaders: John Merritt 73t; John Hyde 124, 297; Ester Mann 171, 32t, 480; Wilton Donaldson 348b, 47b; W.M. Allen 75, 108t; Wayne Baines 155, 146, 373 (in memory of Etma Barton, who passed away on todays date); Julie Propst 145b; Josie Hyde 43, 200; Travis Keeton 179, 544, 235; Hugh Bill McGuire 503, 40.
The class resumed singing with Dale Kennedy leading 77t and 61. Leaders: Ester Mann 63, 147t; Faye Donaldson 430, 225t; Margaret Keeton 455, 142; Clarence McCool 348b, 349, 535; Earl Ballinger 80b, 109, 331; Betty Baccus 396, 392; Lisa Geist 546, 572; David Beasley and Ruby Steggs 354b, 45t.
Dale Kennedy brought the afternoon session to order leading 159. Leaders: Larry Ballinger 89, 101t; Estes Jackson 426t, 68b; Gravis Ballinger 78, 457, 477; John Beasley 72t, 81t, 294; John Hyde 129; Wilton Donaldson and Ivalene Donaldson 565; Wayne Baines 318; Josie Hyde 405; Travis Keeton 343; Hugh Bill McGuire 344; Faye Donaldson 284; Margaret Keeton 138t; Clarence McCool 569b; Earl Ballinger 144; Betty Baccus 282; David Beasley 33t; Larry Ballinger 36b; Estes Jackson 345b; Gravis Ballinger 99; John Beasley 47t; Brenda Merritt 436. Announcements were made. Dale Kennedy led 63 as the closing song, and then dismissed the class with prayer.
Chairman - Dale Kennedy
Vice-Chairman - John Merritt
Secretary - Brenda Merritt
The 127th annual session of the Calhoun County Musical Association was convened at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church with Hugh Bill McGuire presiding. Due to a knee injury, President John Van Horn was unable to attend; as required by the constitution, the chairman of the executive committe, Hugh Bill McGuire, chaired the session. The session was called to order by Hugh Bill McGuire leading song on page 31b. Robert Earl Alexander sang 88t and offered prayer. The chairman led 36b and appointed executive committe as follows: Mark Davis, Virginia Carter and Hugh Bill McGuire. Leaders sang up to three songs each: Mark Davis, 209, 270, 176b; Virginia Carter, 457, 338; T.J. Funderburk, 63, 47b, 61; Joe Cobb, 28b, 38b; Linda Funderburk, 81t; 341, 122; Bobby Caldwell, 82t, 70b. Chair acknowledged delegates from Chickasaw County, W.M. Allen, George and Maybellene Easley, who were duly seated. Welcome was extended to delegate from Newton County Convention. Other leaders: Brenda Merritt, 76b, 144; Junie McNeil, 119, 319; Charles Porter, 136, 137, 155; Jean Gray, 108t, 143; Darlene Reynolds, 204, 64; Kurt Davis, 274t, 133; Ester Mann, 127, 32t, 339; John Merritt, 66, 77t.
After a delicious meal and wonderful fellowship, the chairman restored order and sang 159 and 328. Other leaders: Mark Davis, 65; Anne Steel, 47t, 268, 200; Natalie Davis, 354b; George Easley, 34b, 313t, 438; W.M. Allen and Ester Mann, 75, J.L. White edition (W) 519; Arlon Gardner, 378t, 378b, 388; Andy Davis, 434, 379, 198. In business session, the following officers were retained: John Van Horn, president; Alice McGuire, Secretary-Treasurer. Mark Davis then led 236.
Robert Earl Alexander called the meeting to order and sang 73t. Other leaders: Curtis Bryant, W494, Christian Harmony 248, 323b; Virginia Carter, 123t, 49b; Jean Gray, 254; Junie McNeil, 145t; Bobby Caldwell, 37b; Arlon Gardner, 448b; Ester Mann, 480; Anne Steel and Natalie Davis, 215; Joe Cobb, 40; Linda Funderburk, 318.
Report of Business Committee:
Following announcements, motion made and carried to adjourn. Chairman sang 83t and Elder Charles Porter dismissed the convention with prayer.
President - John Van Horn
Secretary/Treasurer - Alice McGuire
The seventy-sixth annual session of the Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention was held at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church in Scott County, Mississippi on the fourth Sunday and Saturday before in August for two days of worship in song service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. President Mark Davis brought the class to order with 37b. Chaplain Arlon Gardner led in prayer. President led 47b and expressed thanks were given to Mr. Alfred Bailey for providing comfort and beauty for the convention. Leaders: Arlon Gardner 65, 448b; Tim Cook CH 73b, CH 322; Andrew Albers CB 496t, 269; John Merritt CH 261b, CB 386; Wanda Gregg 40, 460;
The singing resumed with President Mark Davis leading 160b. Leaders: Hugh Bill, Henry, Hugh, and Drew McGuire, 200, 198; Nancy Vandenakker CH 37; 133; Mike McNeil CB 522, 573; Warren Steel 428, 53; Linda Funderburk 128, 373; Joe Cobb 28b, 38b.
After a bountiful lunch the singing resumed for the afternoon session with President Mark Davis leading 29t. Leaders: Eric Schedler 86, 455; Ann Fis 45tm 123b; Anne Steel 122, 318; Tim Grae 182, 220; Mako Cook CH 51, 30b; John Hollingsworth 236; Ester Mann 127 171; Natalie Davis CB 572; June McNeil CH 43, 64; Hugh McGuire 67, CB 572; Darlene Reynolds CH 355, 184; President Mark Davis called for a motion to open the convention for business. Officers elected: President - Mark Davis; Vice President - John Van Horn; Secretary - Jean Gray; Chaplain - W.M. Allen and Arlon Gardner; Arranging Committee - Junie McNeil and Nancy Vandenakker; Memorial Committee - John Hollingsworth and Ester Mann; Locations Committee - Henry McGuire, W.M. Allen, and Arlon Gardner; Business and Credentials Committee - Hugh McGuire, Tim Gray, T.J. Funderburk and Colvin Mann; Resolutions Committee - Andrew Albers and Alice McGuire.
End of business. President led 240 in memory of Durward Svarborough.The singing resumed with John Van Horn leading 137. Leaders: Hannah and Andrew Albers CB 87b, 145b; Bobby Caldwell CH 281, 216; Katie Zukof 504, CH 372; John Plunkett CH 138, CH 67b; Henry McGuire 183, 442; Eric Schedler 196; Alfred Bailey WB 519. Announcements were made. President Davis led "The Drone" as the dismissal song, and W.M. Allen dismissed the class with prayer.
President Mark Davis opened the Sunday morning session with 30t. Chaplain W.M. Allen offered the morning prayer. President Mark Davis welcomed everyone, offered a special thanks to Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, and recognized delegates from Chickasaw and Calhoun counties. Leaders: President Mark Davis 123t, 129; Vice President John Van Horn 120, 106 and 203; Secretary Jean Gray 418, 297; Chaplain 75, 282; Chaplain Arlon Gardner 39t, CH 316, CH 155; Junie McNeil 147t, 179, 145t; Andrew Albers CB 318, CB 268b, CB 472.
John Van Horn brought the class back to order with 119. Leaders: Natalie Davis 354b, 345t; Drew McGuire 114, 40, 155; Terre Schill 32t, 168, 224; Hannah and Rhoda Albers CB 444, CB 180; Kurt Davis 45t, 274t, 126.
President Mark Davis brought the afternoon session to order leading 61. Leaders: Hugh McGuire 53, 82t, 83b; John Hollingsworth 138t, CB 506; Bobby Caldwell 36b, 68b, 565b; Ester Mann 59, 355, 480; Henry McGuire 78, 300, 269; Darlene Reynolds CH 188, CH 264, CH 128t; Hugh Bill McGuire, CB 393t; CB 344, CB 563. The 2:00 p.m. committee reports were given. The Memorial Committee led 127 and WB 519, and concluded with prayer by Arlon Gardner; and the Business and Resolutions Committee reported. It was moved and seconded to accept all reports as given. Enon Primitive Baptist Church requested the convention next year.
President Mark Davis brought the class to order leading 175b. Leaders: John Van Horn CH 49; Jean Gray, 408; W.M. Allen, 490; Arlon Gardner 278t; Terre Schill 121t; Andrew Albers 209; Ester Mann CH 258. A motion was made to adjourn. Announcements were made. A special thanks was given to Mr. Alfred Bailey and Antioch Primitive Baptist Church. The class was dismissed with 46 and prayer by Chaplain W.M. Allen.
Chairman - Mark Davis, Horn4@aol.com
Vice-Chairman - John Van Horn
Secretary - Jean Gray
Chaplain - W.M. Allen and Arlon Gardner
The sixteenth 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 and 53. George Easley led the morning prayer. Leaders: Mark Tew, 268, 406, 341; John Van Horn, 67, 47b, 163b; Andy Davis, 430, 434, 400; W.M. Allen, 75, 490; Sarah Tidwell, 72b, 42, 36b.
Warren Steel called the class together leading songs on page 179 and 74b, in memory of Amy Ewing. Other leaders: Brenda Merritt, 475, 142, 168; Anne Steel, 335, 39t, 61; Janet Jenkins, 274t, 40, 117; George Easley, 34b, 313t; John Merritt, 196, 426t, 148; Will Fraser, 198, 201, 358; Ron Nurnberg, 87, 128, 282; Phil Kliewer, 111t, 101t, 178; Andy Davis, 236.
Warren Steel called the class together leading song on page 127 in memory of Edward Whitworth. Other leaders: William Garner and Lucas Riley, 59, 63; Hugh Bill McGuire and Sarah Tidwell, 49b for John and Dale Reed, 200; Mark Tew, 299; John Van Horn, 273; Andy Davis, 269; Anne Steel, 379; Janet Jenkins, 82t; John Merritt, 45t; Ron Nurnberg, 339; Lucas Riley, 271t, Warren Steel, 378b. Following announcements Warren Steel led the closing song on page 290, and the class was dismissed with prayer by John Merritt.
The annual Sacred Harp singing at Calhoun County Nursing Home was called to order at 1:30 by Robert Earl Alexander leading songs on page 48t and 135. Leaders were: W.M. Allen, 108t, 75; Charles Porter, 155, 136; John Van Horn, 137, 67 for Bernice Embry; Virginia Carter, 223, 144; Linda Funderburk, 59, 58; Wilma Mitchell, 63, 40; Andy Davis, 39t, 269; Warren Steel, 306, 186; Hugh Bill McGuire, 273, 142; Anne Steel, 565 for T.J. Funderburk, 171; Robert Earl Alexander, 64; W.M. Allen, J.L. White edition (W)519; Charles Porter, W494; John Van Horn, 89; Warren Steel, 523 for George Easley; Linda Funderburk, 32t; Andy Davis, 119, 47b; Warren Steel 81b; Hugh Bill McGuire, 503. Following announcements, Anne Steel led the closing songs on page 29t and 288 and T.J. Funderburk dismissed the class with prayer.
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