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. Arlon Gardner 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 49t; John Lee Van Horn 39, 507b; Jean Gray 563, 344; J.A. Mosley 572, 542; Uel Freeman 571, 127; Nancy Van Den Akker 184b, 483; Morgan Bunch 171-106.
Andrew Albers called the class together with 107 and 75. Leaders: Bill Hogan 497, 567; Dana Merritt 392, 486; Wanda Gregg 557, 573; Sue Bunch 63, 72; Brenda Merritt 522; John and Dana Merritt and Mike Campbell 564, 45t. Andrew Albers led 369 (traditional song before the noon meal).
Chairman Andrew Albers called the class together for the afternoon session with 70t and 227. Leaders: Junie McNeil 503, 159; Bobby Caldwell 82, 54t; Arlon Gardner 68t, 168; Regina Marshall 203, 98; Ester Mann 38t, 484; Dana Merritt 358, 410; Mark Davis 411, 140; Andrew Albers 57 for Emmett Harvey.
Singing continued wth John Van Horn leading 225t. Leaders: John Merritt 268 by request; Uel Freeman 388; Morgan Bunch 308, Nancy Van Den Akker 515; Sue Bunch 229; Wanda Gregg 384; Bill and Nancy Hogan 143; Andrew Albers 492 for Nelda Mitchell, 128 for Jean Rogers; Arlon Gardner 83t; Andrew Albers 492 for Linda Sanford; Bill Hogan 408 for Etna Jean Gray. Chairman Andrew Albers led 496t, the traditional closing song. Chaplain Emmett Harvey offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Mark Davis.
Chairman - Andrew Albers
Vice-Chairman - John Lee Van Horn
Secretary - Etna Jean Gray
The twenty-fifth annual Sacred Harp singing at Oxford City Hall was called to order by Warren Steel of Oxford leading song on page 48t. John Merritt led the morning prayer. Warren Steel then led song on page 171. Mark Tew of Oxford led song on page 335, and the class organized by electing the following officers: Chairman, Warren Steel; Vice Chairman, Mark Tew; Secretary, John Merritt; Arrangements, Lisa Geist and Brenda Merritt; Hospitality, Linda Boulton and Millicent Nicholas. Leaders: John Merritt, Oxford, 268; Lisa Geist, Fayette AL, 192; Regina Marshall, Puckett, 270; Natalie Davis, Brandon, 45t; Ester Mann, Jackson, 426t; Lee Wise, Byhalia, 354b; Bridget Hill, Birmingham AL, 99; Max Berueffy, Birmingham AL, 548; Lena Keeton, Nauvoo AL, 475; Andy Davis, Bruce, 198; Wanda Capps, Dora AL, 299; Sandie Scott, Smyrna TN, 480; Elizabeth Keeton, Fultondale AL, 81t; John Hyde, Double Springs AL, 124; Darlene Reynolds, Newton, 145t; Mark Davis, Brandon, 220; Hugh Bill McGuire, Water Valley, 236; Sarah Smith, Bessemer AL, 318; Karen Ivey, Huntsville AL, 135.
Mark Tew called the class together leading song on page 117. Others who led: Susie Bishop, Oxford, 61; Henry McGuire, Florence, 490; Eric Schedler, West Helena AR, 189; Chuck Howell, Pontotoc, 40; Glenn Keeton, Fultondale AL, 163b; Willodean Barton, Jasper AL, 454; Marilyn Burchett, Old Hickory TN 274t; Seth Holloway, Nashville TN, 388; John Van Horn, Winona, 47b; Dena Holley and Stanley Wise, Ecru, 128, 129; Gary Smith, Bessemer AL, 569b; Ozella Blackmon, Jasper AL, 436; Leon Ballinger, Wimberley TX, 327; Phil Kliewer, Memphis TN, 159; Harrison Creel, Dora AL, 498; Velton Chafin, Jasper AL, 225; Marlon Beasley, Blountsville AL, 460; Drew McGuire, Florence, 393.
The afternoon session began with Warren Steel leading song on page 179. Other leaders: Amber Davis, Sumiton AL, 142; Sarah Tidwell, Oxford, 146; David Ivey, Huntsville AL, 431; Katie Zukof, West Helena AR, 474; Gravis Ballinger, Fayette AL, 495; Josie Hyde, Double Springs AL, 234; Travis Keeton, Nauvoo AL, 341; Dorothea McCowan, Dickson TN, 442; Chuck Beasley, Winfield AL, 33b. A memorial lesson was held for singers and loved ones departed in the past year. Max Berueffy 144 in memory of John Hocutt, and Warren Steel led 65 for the sick and homebound. End of memorial lesson. Leaders: Brenda Merritt, Oxford, 434; Larry Ballinger, Fayette AL, 215; Nelson Fitts, Pontotoc, 410t; Will Fraser, Oxford, 273; Leon Ballinger, 269; Karen and David Ivey, 76b, 564; Marilyn Burchett, 108b; Hugh Bill, Alice, Henry, and Drew McGuire and Sarah Tidwell, 42; Sandie Scott, 282; Glenn, Elizabeth and Lena Keeton, 143; Eric Schedler and Katie Zukof, 455. Following announcements, the officers led the closing song on page 345b, and John Van Horn 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 31b. John Van Horn led the morning prayer. Hugh Bill McGuire then led song on page 76b, and called the following leaders: John Van Horn, 77t, 72b; Virginia Carter, 48t, 176b; Arlon Gardner, 454, 475, 457; Natalie Davis, 354b, 345t; Anne Steel, 39t, 179, 178; Darlene Reynolds, 145t, 145b; Kurt Davis, 45t; Warren Steel, 332, 214, 195; John Merritt, 99, 36b, 37b; Mark Davis, 391, 280, 327; Henry McGuire, 34t, 177, 460; John Van Horn, 441, 201; Virginia Carter, 147b, 131b; Arlon Gardner, 183, 65.
After lunch, Hugh Bill McGuire called the afternoon session together leading song on page 440 and 51. Other leaders: Robert Earl Alexander, 147t, 143; Andy Davis, 254, 269, 434; Warren Steel, 436, 57, 163b; Linda Funderburk, 163t, 47b; Henry McGuire, 442, 383; T.J. Funderburk, 335, 290, 569b; Anne Steel, 551, 31t; Darlene Reynolds, 358, 176t; Charles Porter, 155, 137, 136; John Van Horn, 236; Mark Davis, 273, 200; Chuck Howell, 127, 40; John Merritt, 271t; Goerge Easley, J.L. White edition (W)527, W543 (Alone); W.M. Allen, 282, 490; Eric Schedler, 344, 189, 528; Arlon Gardner, 56b, 542, 300; W.M. Allen and Jody Harrison, 400; Virginia Carter, 49b. Following announcements, the class was dismissed with prayer by Grover Edington.
The annual Sacred Harp singing at Poplar Springs Baptist Church was called to order by John Van Horn leading song on page 30t. Rev. Charlie Swords led the morning prayer. John Van Horn then led songs on page 31b, 32t, 37t, 39b, and 38b, and called the following leaders: Warren Steel, 103, 102, 101t, 101b, 118, 119; Anne Steel, 120, 121, 122, 123b, 129, 131b; John Van Horn, 63, 61, 128, 145b, 144, 358, J.L. White edition (W)519, W517, 277, 276.
After lunch, John Van Horn called the afternoon session together leading song on page 161 and 163b. Other leaders: T.J. Funderburk, 65, 47b, 569b; Robert Earl Alexander, 145t, 87, 401, 82t; Linda Funderburk, 146, 147t; Eric Schedler, 442, 86, 155; George Easley, 313t, W527; Katie Zukof, 196, 503; John Van Horn, 236, 341; Warren Steel, 270, 278b, 288, 112; Anne Steel, 480, 512, 268; T.J. FUnderburk, 33b, 36b; Robert Earl Alexander, W491, 53; Linda Funderburk, W60, 460; George Easley, 34b, 460; Eric Schedler, 300, 504. Following announcements, Hugh Bill McGuire led song on page 37b; John Van Horn then led the closing song on page 137, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Robert Earl Alexander.
The annual Sacred Harp singing at Concord Baptist Church was called to order after dinner by John Van Horn leading song on page 101t and 176b. T.J. Funderburk led the opening prayer and continued with songs on page 30t, 31b and 47b. Leaders: Natalie Davis, 354b, 345t; Anne Steel, 335, 216, 61; Wanda Gregg, 460, 40, 28b; George Easley, 127, 164, 313t; Mark Davis, 196, 436, 182, 273; Warren Steel, 399b, 399t, 391; John Van Horn, 236; Debbie Dunn, J.L. White edition (W)519, 59, 45t; Andy Davis, 183, 268, 434; Linda Funderburk, 143, 108b; Rita Stewart, W536, W527; Linda Jenkins, W494; Hugh Bill McGuire, W511; John Van Horn, 179; Anne Steel, 178; Wanda Gregg, 408; Mark Davis, 209. Following announcements, Warren Steel and John Van Horn led the closing song on page 69t, and John Van Horn dismissed the class with prayer.
The fifty-sixth annual Hill Roane memorial Sacred Harp Singing at Sherman Baptist Church was called to order by Mark Davis leading songs on page 37b, 48t and 74b. Hugh Bill McGuire led the morning prayer. Leaders: John Van Horn, 74t, 96, 91; Anne Steel, 171, 285t, 300; Darlene Reynolds, 64, 569b; Warren Steel, 428, 429, 312b, 313t; Natalie Davis, 345t, 345b, 354b;
Mark Davis called the class together leading song on page 137. Other leaders: Drew McGuire, 282, 59, 47b; Eric Schedler, 203, 71, 546; Katie Zukof, 344, 372; Henry McGuire, 250, 269, 78.
Mark Davis called the afternoon session leading songs on page 155 and 209. Other leaders: Linda Funderburk, 119, 319; Kurt Davis, 274t; T.J. Funderburk, 68b, 61, 33b; Chuck Howell, 162, 40; Mark Davis, 410t, 280; John Van Horn, 312t, 163t; Anne Steel, 222, 111t, 444; Warren Steel, 362, 360; 297; Natalie Davis, 45t; Drew McGuire, 63, 457; John Van Horn, 236.
Mark Davis called the class together leading song on page 106. Other leaders: Darlene Reynolds, 164; Eric Schedler, 168, 228, 218; Katie Zukof, 268, 178; T.J. Funderburk, 147t; Chuck Howell, 30t; Mark Davis, J.L. White edition (W)154b "Eden"; Hugh Bill McGuire, 110. Following announcements, Mark Davis led "The Drone" and the closing song on page 46, and 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 songs on page 101t, 47t, 128, 129, 61, 89, 148. Other leaders: James Ellis Simpson, J.L. White edition (W)519, W494, W517, 45t; Warren Steel, 179, 39t, 36b, 49t. At 11:00, the regular preaching service followed.
John Van Horn called the class to order after dinner leading songs on page 111t, and 111b. Other leaders: Charles Porter, 155, 137, 136; Eric Schedler, 209, 442, 457, 378b; George Easley, 64, 63; Katie Zukof, 147t, 474, 475; Curtis Bryant, Christian Harmony (CH)248; W527, W526; 323b; James Ellis Simpson, CH91, CH143, CH206; John Van Horn, 236; Warren Steel, 174, 405, 428, 340, 278b; Charles Porter, 341, 418, 31b; George Easley, 288, 438, 313; Eric Schedler, 86; John Van Horn, 448b; Curtis Bryant, 127; Katie Zukof, 117. Following announcements, John Van Horn led the closing song on page 73t and the class was dismissed with prayer by Elder Charles Porter.
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 36b. 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: Robert Vaughn 67, 70b, 71; John Hyde 124, 73t, 63; Wilton Donaldson 75, 100; Kathy Sartain 100; Betty Baccus 101t, 134, 61; John Tyler 108t, 138b, 45t.
The class resumed singing with John Merritt and Dale Kennedy leading 31t and 59. Leaders: Travis Keeton 284, 285t, 176b; Lena Keeton 111t, 120, 123t; Samantha and Sharon Spiller 445, 40, 313t; Margaret Keeton 349, 179, 499; Elizabeth Keeton 306 274t 335; Larry Ballinger 229 163b, Earl Ballinger 171, 177, 146; Lisa Geist 84, 131t, 180; John and Josie Hyde 385t, 97, 55, 150; Robert Vaughn 438, 495, 333; Estes Jackson 341, 426t, 387.
Glenn Keeton brought the afternoon session to order leading 143. Leaders: Kathy Sartain 504; Glenn and Elizabeth Keeton 178; Travis Keeton 276, 269; John Hyde 43, 104; Wilton Donaldson 490, 480; Betty Baccus 145b; Lena and Glenn Keeton 192, 186; Samantha and Sharon Spiller 56t, 400; Margaret Keeton 273, 187; Larry Ballinger 133; Josie Hyde 137, 298; Glenn Keeton 278t; Brenda Merritt 29t; John Merritt and Dale Kennedy 358. Announcements were made. Dale Kennedy led 62 as the closing song, and then dismissed the class with prayer.
Chairman - Dale Kennedy
Vice-Chairman - John Merritt
Secretary - Brenda Merritt
The 128th annual session of the Calhoun County Musical Association was convened at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church with John Van Horn leading 523b and 535b. Chaplain T.J. Funderburk offered prayer. The chairman led 565b and appointed executive committee; Hugh Bill McGuire (chair), Mark Davis and Andy Davis. Leaders sang up to three songs each: T.J. Funderburk, 30t, 63, 47b; Charles Porter, 40, 136, 137; Darlene Reynolds, 569b, 235; Junie McNeil, 319, 147t; W.M. Allen, 108t, 75; George Easley, 438, 418, 164. Chair acknowledged delegates from Chickasaw County, W.M. Allen, Charles Porter, and T.J. Funderburk, who were duly seated. Welcome was extended to delegate from Newton County Convention. Other leaders: Mark Davis, 335t, 159, 68b; Andy Davis, 430, 218, 379; Joe Cobb, 28b, 38b; Ester Mann, 128, 127, 339; Linda Funderburk, 283, 341.
After a bountiful and delicious lunch, the chairman restored order and sang 89. Other leaders: Natalie Davis, 354b, 345t, 45t; Virginia Carter, 48t, 99, 122; Hugh Bill McGuire, 410t; T.J. Funderburk, 33b, 61; Andy Davis, 254; Junie McNeil, 145t, 32t; W.M. Allen, 282, 400, 490; Charles Porter, 31b, 36b, 155; John Van Horn, 236.
John Van Horn restored order and sang 179. In business session, the following officers were retained: John Van Horn, president; Alice McGuire, Secretary-Treasurer. End of business session. Other leaders: George Easley, 288, 323b; Joe Cobb, 147b; Andy Davis, 297, 358, 269; Linda Funderburk, J.L. White edition (W)491b; 143; Mark Davis, 100, 441, W519.
Report of Business Committee:
Following announcements, motion made and carried to adjourn. Chairman sang a closing song convention was dismissed with prayer.
President - John Van Horn
Secretary/Treasurer - Alice McGuire
The seventy-seventh annual session of the Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention was held at Enon Primitive Baptist Church in Chickasaw 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 30t. Chaplain W.M. Allen led in prayer. Elder Charles Porter welcomed everyone with remarks. Leaders: Mark Davis 37b and 47b; John Van Horn 111b 373; Jean Gray 63, 418; W.M. Allen 59, 108t; John Hollingsworth 109, 354t; Andrew Albers CB292b, CB515; Chuck Howell 68b, 40; Anne Steel 318, 209.
The singing resumed with President Mike McNeil leading CB573 and CB522 (in memory of Mrs. Tom May). Leaders: Joe Cobb 28b, 38b; Connie Stanton 448b, 171; Bobby Caldwell CH216t, 201; Hugh Bill McGuire 452, 134; Natalie Davis 45t, 354b; Billy Hollingworth CH163t, 60.
After a bountiful lunch the singing resumed for the afternoon session with President Mark Davis leading 200. Leaders: George Easley 299, 313t; Warren Steel CB436t, CB422t; Charles Porter 137, 155; T.J. Funderburk 61, 569b; Darlene Reynolds CH184, 117; Hugh Bill, Hugh, Henry and Drew McGuire 36b, 460; Kurt Davis 457, 274t; Linda Funderburk 288, 143; Junie McNeil 43, CH 64; Andy Davis 198, 254. 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 and Darlene Reynolds; Chaplain - W.M. Allen and Arlon Gardner; Arranging Committee - Junie McNeil and John Van Horn; Memorial Committee - John Hollingsworth and Ester Mann; Locations Committee - Henry McGuire, John Van Horn and Bobby Caldwell; Business and Credentials Committee - Hugh McGuire, George Easley and Colvin Mann; Resolutions Committee - Andrew Albers and Alice McGuire. End of business. Billy Hollingsworth led 236.
The singing resumed with Henry McGuire leading 408 and 320. Leaders: Lucy Sandidge CH51, CH85b; Mark Tew 406, 139; Drew McGuire 128, 282; Robert Earl Alexander 124, CH258, 127. Announcements were made. President Davis led 348b as the dismissal song, and W.M. Allen dismissed the class with prayer.
President Mark Davis opened the Sunday morning session with 101t and welcomed everyone. Chaplain W.M. Allen offered the morning prayer. Leaders: President Mark Davis 126, 123t; Vice President John Van Horn 125, 129 and 410t; W.M. Allen 104, 75; John Hollingsworth 138, 230, CH250; Billy Hollingsworth CB225, CB507b, CB 484; Andrew Albers CB 378b, CB 178, CB 174; Hanna Albers CB514.
The class resumed with leaders: W.M. Allen and family 494; George Easley 34b, 523, 527; Chuck Howell 426b, 63, 127; Colvin Mann 155, 159, 147t; Natalie Davis 345t, 345b, 388; Rhoda Albers CB393t.
President Mark Davis brought the afternoon session to order leading 146. Leaders: Warren Steel 326, 355, CB438; Andy Davis 434, 269, 383; Lucy Sandidge CB575, CB392, CB572; Ester Mann 168, 143, 475; Kurt Davis 87, 268; Hugh McGuire 216, CB82t, 90; Mark Tew 46, 338, 339. The 2:00 p.m. committee reports were given. The Memorial Committee led 347 and the Business and Resolutions Committee reported. It was moved and seconded to accept all reports as given.
President Mark Davis brought the class to order leading 111t. Leaders: Charles Porter 136, 460, 379; Bryan Harrison 457, 139; Hugh Bill McGuire CB563, 503; Mark Davis CB571, Lucy Sandidge 480. A motion was made to adjourn. Announcements were made. President Mark Davis led the closing song on page 46 and the class was dismissed with 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 seventeenth 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. John Van Horn led the morning prayer. Leaders: Warren Steel, 101t; John Van Horn, 73t, 70b. Jeff Corbett, 125, 326, 200; Anne Steel, 31t, 268, 269; John Merritt, 122, 123t; Janet Jenkins, 117, 288, 274t.
Warren Steel called the class together leading songs on page 144 and 189. Other leaders: Jeff Corbett, 49t, 133, 278b; Chuck Howell, 63, 68b, 285b; Hugh Bill McGuire, 273, 196, 198; Jamie Corbett, 354, 358; Anne Steel, 348b, 137, 39t; Kevin Robinson, 373, 108b, 45t; Warren Steel, 224.
John Van Horn called the class together leading song on page 236, and then led 170 for Kenneth Stead. Janet Jenkins led 155 in memory of Hubert Massey, and also led 30t and 127. Other leaders: Charles Porter, 136, 418, 460; Jack Barbera, 42, 139, 141; John Merritt, 37b, "Nothing but the blood"; Tom Hallock, 479; Warren Steel, 75 for Don Traylor; Jeff Corbett, 350, 81b; John Merritt, 390 for Sam Nailling. Following announcements Warren Steel led the closing song on page 134, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Elder Charles Porter.
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 145t and 144. Leaders were: Anne Steel, 129, 128; George Easley, 143, 127; Warren Steel, 297, 186; Linda Funderburk, 288, 99; Hugh Bill McGuire, 273, 277; John Van Horn, 457, J.L. White edition (W)517; T.J. Funderburk, 63, 569b; Charles Porter, 155, 137; W.M. Allen, 75, 108t; Chuck Howell, 36b, 40; John Van Horn, 236; Robert Earl Alexander, 79; Anne Steel, 74t; George Easley, W527; Warren Steel, 142; Linda Funderburk, 39t; Hugh Bill McGuire, 56b; T.J. Funderburk, 47b; Charles Porter, 31b; W.M. and Hortense Allen, W494; Chuck Howell, 56t; John Van Horn, 61. Following announcements, Robert Earl Alexander led the closing song on page 119 and T.J. Funderburk dismissed the class with prayer.
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