Mississippi Sacred Harp Singings

Selected Minutes, 2008

  • Oxford (University of Mississippi)
  • Bethel
  • Concord
  • Sherman
  • Oak Springs
  • Vicksburg
  • Cherry Tree
  • Calhoun County Convention
  • Mississippi State Convention
  • Taylor
  • Calhoun County Nursing Home
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    Choral Room, Music Building, University of Mississippi

    Oxford, Mississippi

    March 9, 2008

    The twenty-eighth annual Oxford Sacred Harp singing took place in the choral room of the music building at the University of Mississippi. Warren Steel called the class to order by leading song on page 138b. John Van Horn led the morning prayer. Mark Tew led song on page 48t, and the class organized by electing the following officers: Chairman, Warren Steel; Vice Chairman, Mark Tew; Secretary, John Merritt; Arranging Committee, Lisa Geist; Hospitality, Linda Boulton, Anne Steel, and Brenda Merritt. Leaders: John Merritt, 288; Marlin Beasley, 317; Emily Creel, 318; Wanda Capps, 299; Don Treloar, 408; Bunk Beasley, 72b; Charlotte Webb, 69b; Bea Carnathan, 496; John Van Horn, 378b; Juanita Beasley, 61; Travis Keeton, 129; Gravis Ballinger, 203; Lon Webb, 358; Hugh Bill McGuire, 394; Bruce Headrick, 59.

    Recess.

    Warren Steel called the class together leading song on page 215. Leaders: Sandra Wilkinson, 384; Jim Greer, 81; Jan Murray, 31b; Velton Chafin, 454; Carolyn Thompson, 196; Darlene Reynolds, 569b; John Plunkett, 447; Kevin Dyess, 128; Earl Ballinger, 139; David Jennings, 45t; Sarah Smith, 340; Jeff Corbett, 86; Phil Kliewer, 87; Judy Caudle, 522.

    Recess.

    John Merritt called the class together leading song on page 176t. Leaders: Bridgett Hill, 269; Henry McGuire, 269; John Wall, 217; Mark Davis, 556; Myron Wilkinson, 39b; Anne Steel, 348b; Gary Smith, 66; Drew McGuire, 349.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    The afternoon session began with Mark Tew leading song on page 460. Other leaders: Danny Creel, 532; Larry Ballinger, 540; Natalie Davis, 354; Josie Hyde, 507; Stephanie Tingler, 476. A memorial lesson was held. Marlin Beasley led 475 for those deceased since March 2007: Flarce Creel, Edith Tate, Wilton Donaldson, LaRue Allen, Delores Beasley, Furn Kitchens, Alex Mennella, Garnsey McGough, Mamie Harper Knowles, Madeleine Steel, and Amanda Denson Brady. Warren Steel led 65 for the sick and shut-ins. End of memorial lesson. Other leaders: Margaret Keeton, 276; Henry Guthery, 549; Julie Heerin, 63; Sarah Tidwell, 146; Lena Keeton, 159; Brenda Merritt, 542; Glenn Keeton, 236; Chuck Howell, 112; Janet Jenkins, 117; Rachel Green, 328; Harrison Creel 512; Logan Green, 171; Robert Green, 222; Lisa Geist, 304. Following announcements, the officers, together with Jack Barbera, led the closing song on page 285, and Mark Davis dismissed the class with prayer.

    Chairman - Warren Steel, mudws@olemiss.edu
    Vice-Chairman - Mark Tew, eemdt@olemiss.edu
    Secretary - John Merritt

    Bethel

    Bruce, Mississippi

    April 6, 2008

    The fifty-ninth annual Sacred Harp singing at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church was called to order by Hugh Bill McGuire leading song on page 36b. John Van Horn led the morning prayer. Hugh Bill McGuire then led song on page 40, and called the following leaders: John Van Horn, 205, 340, 215; Mark Davis, 273, 47b, 74b; Bruce Headrick, 354b, 59; Drew McGuire, 151, 209, 431; Darlene Reynolds, 569b, 145t, 490; Anne Steel, 163t, 503, 179; John Merritt, 271t, 274t, 278b; Warren Steel, 454, 74t, 419; Virginia Carter, 338, 314, 46; Henry McGuire, 408, 269, Cooper revision (C)522 (Shades of Night); Will Gilman, 268, 297; Shari Moore, 72b, 63; John Van Horn, 312t; T.J. Funderburk, 282, 61

    Dismissed for lunch.

    After lunch, Hugh Bill McGuire called the afternoon session together leading song in the J.L. White edition (W)511 (Willie). Other leaders: Chuck Howell, 32t; John Van Horn, W486t (Trusting), W34b (Bleeding Saviour); W.M. Allen, 282, 400; Drew McGuire, 200, 278t; Linda Funderburk, 378t, 288, 373; Bruce Headrick, 128, C392 (Little Pilgrim); Robert Earl Alexander, 108b, 108t; Anne Steel, 410t, 411; Mark Davis, 182, 434; Charles Porter, 136, 137; Darlene Reynolds, 64, 176t; John Van Horn and Bruce Headrick, 236.

    Recess.

    Hugh Bill McGuire brought the class together leading W505 (Roll On, Dark Stream). Leaders: T.J. Funderburk, 33b, 31b; Warren Steel, 33t, 351; Virginia Carter, 147b, 65; John Merritt, 312b, 313t; Will Gilman, 403, 222; Shari Moore, 45t, 127. Following announcements, Hugh Bill McGuire led the closing song on page W510 (We Will Gather Sheaves for Jesus), and the class was dismissed with prayer by R.E. Alexander.

    Chairman - Hugh Bill McGuire
    Secretary - Warren Steel

    Poplar Springs

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    May 4, 2008

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Poplar Springs Baptist Church was called to order after lunch by John Van Horn leading song on page 68b and 48b. He then called the following leaders: Charles Porter, 136, 137, 155; Robert Earl Alexander, 81t, 170, 124; T.J. Funderburk, 63, 47b, 282; W.M. Allen, 75, 400, J.L. White edition (W)495; Hugh Bill McGuire, W494, 345b; Warren Steel, 61, 36b, 209, and 313t for George Easley; Linda Funderburk, 330t, 85, 288; John Van Horn, 236, 101t; Charles Porter, 460, 31b, 438; T.J. Funderburk, 30t, 45t, 569b; Warren Steel, 479; W.M. Allen, 490; Hugh Bill McGuire, W60; Warren Steel, 235, 108b, 108t; Linda Funderburk, 40, 37t, 323b; John Van Horn, W543t. Following announcements, Robert Earl Alexander led the closing song on in the Christian Harmony page 248 (Twilight Is Falling), and the class was dismissed with prayer by Elder Charles Porter.


    Concord

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    May 18, 2008

    The one hundred thirty-fourth annual Sacred Harp singing at Concord Baptist Church was called to order after dinner by John Van Horn leading song on page 56t. He then led the opening prayer and led led song on page 215, then called the following leaders: Natalie Davis, 354b; Robert Earl Alexander, 144, 452; T.J. Funderburk, 47b, 282, 569b; Anne Steel, 479, 536; 61; Linda Jenkins, 63, 49t; Wanda Gregg, 40; Mark Davis, 530, 556, 65; John Van Horn, 236, J.L. White book (W)494 (Don't Grieve Your Mother); Warren Steel, 500, 313t, 153; Linda Funderburk, 143, 330t; Natalie Davis, 79, 345t; Curtis Gregory, 119, 145b, 162; Robert Earl Alexander (W)519 (Land of Beulah); T.J. Funderburk, 33b; Anne Steel, 33t; Wanda Gregg, 460; Mark Davis, 106, 406; Linda Funderburk, 103. Following announcements, Robert Earl Alexander dismissed the class with prayer.


    Sherman

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    June 1, 2008

    The fifty-ninth annual Hill Roane memorial Sacred Harp Singing at Sherman Baptist Church was called to order by Mark Davis leading songs on page 37b and 101t. John Van Horn led the morning prayer. Mark Davis led songs on page 74b and 75, and called the following leaders: Natalie Davis, 79, 354b, 345t; Warren Steel, 39t, 39b, 40, 57; John Van Horn, 418, 137, 358, 67; Leon Roane, 452; Andy Davis, 400, 106, 434; Mark Davis, 65, J.L. White edition (W) 527 (Lady Touch Thy Harp Again). 73t; Warren Steel, 89, 88t, 87; Mark Davis, (W)154b (Eden), 155, 276.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Mark Davis called the afternoon session leading songs on page 212, 112 and 209. Other leaders: T.J. Funderburk, 68b, 61, 47b; Linda Funderburk, 47t, 101b, 103; John Van Horn, 410t, 410b, 277, 300; Warren Steel, 344, 345b, 346, 313t; Andy Davis, 215, 217, 198; Natalie Davis, 343; Mark and Natalie Davis, 236; T.J. Funderburk, 30t, 31b, 33b; Linda Funderburk, 37t, 108b, 85; Mark Davis, 373. Following announcements, Mark Davis led the closing song on page 378t, and T.J. Funderburk dismissed the class with prayer.

    Chairman - Mark Davis
    Secretary - Warren Steel

    Oak Springs

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    June 8, 2008

    The annual Sacred Harp Singing at Oak Springs Church was called to order by John Van Horn leading song on page 59, 72b, 312b, 63 and 56t. He then called the following leaders: Hugh Bill McGuire, 31b, 274t; Andy Davis, 378t, 379, 319, 457; Mark Davis, 128, 129, 148; Warren Steel, 141, 142, 33t, 33b, J.W. White edition (W)494 (Don't Grieve Your Mother), W512 (Pray On). At 11:15, the regular preaching service followed.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    John Van Horn called the class to order after dinner leading songs on page 34b, 53, 176b, and 176t. Other leaders: George Easley, 313t, 523; Curtis Bryant, 323b, Christian Harmony (CH)248 (Twilight Is Falling; Andy Davis, 269, 400, 460; Mark Davis, 348t, 146, 224, 36b; Warren Steel, 36t, 131b, 131t, 137, 209; John Van Horn, 236, 222, 182, 186; Hugh Bill McGuire, W517 (Not Made With Hands), W505 (Roll On Dark Stream); Andy Davis, 73t, 383; George Easley, 438; Mark Davis, 361, 416; Warren Steel, 417, 418, 448t. Following announcements, John Van Horn led the closing song on page 288 and the class was dismissed with prayer by Mark Davis.


    Holt Collier Mississippi Bear Hunt Singing

    Vicksburg, Mississippi

    June 28-29, 2008

    [ Minutes not yet available ]


    Cherry Tree

    Itawamba County, Mississippi

    July 27, 2008

    The annual Cherry Tree singing was held at James Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Itawamba County on the fourth Sunday in July. Matthew Cook called the class to order leading songs on page 100 and 388. Wendell Rinehart led the morning prayer. Leaders: Wendell Rinehart, 445, 159; Wayne Baines, 48t, 480; Dale Kennedy, 127, 61; Matthew Cook, 59, 145b; Betty Baccus, 490, 40; Betty Baccus and Matthew Cook, 145t, 373; Faye Donaldson, 129, 155; Matthew Cook, 77t, 31t; Dale and Michael Kennedy, 45t, 63.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    The class was called to order by Dale Kennedy leading 39b and 32t. Leaders: Wendelle Rinehart, 68b, 503; Wayne Baines, 569b, 155; Hugh Bill McGuire, 72b; Matthe Cook, 44, 179; Betty Baccus, 499, 348b; Woody Kennedy, 65, 46; Wayne Baines, 73t, 75; Wendell Rinehart, 317. Dale Kennedy led the closing song on page 101t, and dismissed the class with prayer.

    Chairman - Dale Kennedy
    Secretary - Betty Baccus

    Calhoun County Musical Association

    Bethel Primitive Baptist Church

    August 9, 2008

    President John L. Van Horn called the convention to order and sang 48t and 70b. President appointed Robert Earl Alexander chaplain and Virginia Carter secretary pro tempore. Chaplain Robert Earl Alexander led 390 and 484 and offered prayer. President apponted executive committee: Hugh Bill McGuire, Mark Davis and Henry McGuire. Hugh Bill McGuire sang 36b. President welcomed all present and called for corresponding delegates: Chickasaw Convention, George Easley, Charles Porter and W.M. Allen; motion was made and carried to seat these delegates. Leaders: Henry McGuire, 91, 83; Mark Davis, 37b, 122; Natalie Davis, 79, 354b; Linda Funderburk, 128, 129; T.J. Funderburk, 63, 68b; Drew McGuire, 47b, 349; Kurt Davis, 274t, 34b.

    Recess.

    The president restored order and sang 77t. Other leaders: John Wall, 76b, 30t; W.M. Allen, 75, 108t; Charles Porter, 136, 137; Virginia Carter, 123t, 424; John Van Horn, 441.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    President Van Horn called the convention to order and led 384. Leaders: Anne Steel, 139, 142; Warren Steel, 148, 150; Hugh Bill McGuire, 378t; Henry and Carla McGuire, 127, 569b; Mark Davis, 134, 198; Natalie Davis, 343b, 345t; Drew McGuire, 117, 415; Linda Funderburk, 65, 143; T.J. Funderburk, 135, 147t.

    Recess.

    The president restored order and sang 203. Business session. Officers elected were president, John Van Horn; secretary, Virginia Carter. Committee reported no deaths; collection of $46, $25 to be given to the state convention; agreed to meet at Bethel in 2009. Committee report accepted by vote. President appointed as delegates to the Chickasaw Convention and the State Convention: John Van Horn, Hugh Bill McGuire, Alice McGuire. He then sang 236, and called leaders: George Easley, 299, 418; John Wall, 358, 479; W.M. Allen, 282, 400; Charles Porter, 379, 460; Mark Davis, 163b for Virginia Carter. Following announcements, Natalie Davis led closing song 200 and the convention was dismissed with prayer by Elder Charles Porter.

    President - John Van Horn
    Secretary - Virginia Carter

    Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention

    Antioch Primitive Baptist Church

    August 23-24, 2008

    Saturday, August 23

    The 80th session of the Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention convened at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in August, for two days of worship in song service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, when and where the following proceedings were had, to wit: President Mark Davis called the meeting to order and led 101t. Chaplain Arlon Gardner offered the opening prayer. Appreciation and thanks were extended to Bro. Alfred Bailey and to the people of Antioch Church for hosting the singing. Bro. Alfred Bailey extended a welcome to all. Leaders: Mark Davis 74b; John L. Van Horn 270, 215; Arlon Gardner 277, 163t; Jean Gray and Haley Gray 63, 82t; Hugh Bill McGuire 83t, 39t. Hugh McGuire, Tim Gray, and Mike McNeil were appointed as Business and Credentials Committee. Leaders: John Merritt and Bruce Hedrick 488b (CB), 81t (CH); Robert Kelley 225t (CB), 178; John Plunkett 28t (CH), 32b; Hugh McGuire 424, 40; Billy Hollingsworth 507b (CB) and 319 (CH).

    Recess.

    The class resumed singing when Mark Davis led 176b. Leaders: T.J. Funderburk 47b, 569b; Mike McNeil 282, 522 (CB); John Hollingsworth 384, 460; Mark Davis 117 (CH) (by request from Alfred Bailey); Bobby Caldwell and Mark Davis 157 (CH), 58t (CH); Renee Eady 171, 480; Natalie Davis 572 (CB), 79; Haley Gray and Tim Gray 284 (CH), 142 (CH).

    Lunch.

    The afternoon session was called to order by Mark Davis leading 268 (requested by Chuck Howell). Leaders: Linda Funderburk and Mark Davis 393t (CB), 99, 38b; Bruce Hedrick 323 (CH), 303; Karen Swenson 214 (CH), 131 (CH); George Easley 34b, 523; Tim Gray 117, 200; Regina Derstine 440, 322 (CH); Drew McGuire 310t (CH), 355 (CH); Junie McNeil 43 (CH), 64 (CH); Henry McGuire 442, 430 (requested by taxi driver in San Francisco), 365. On motion, seconded and carried, the current officers were re-elected: President, Mark Davis; Vice President, John Lee Van Horn; Secretary, Jean Gray; Assistant Secretary, Darlene Reynolds; Chaplains, W. M. Allen and Arlon Gardner.

    Recess.

    The class was called back to order by Mark Davis leading 155. Ester Mann and Marsha Hedrick were appointed as the Memorial Committee by President Mark Davis. Leaders: John Plunkett 324 (CH); Karen Swenson 16 (CH); Robert Kelley 172 (CH); John Merritt and Brandon Melsoncon 571 (CB); Billy Hollingsworth 39b; Mike McNeil 204 (CH) (in memory of Benny Rigdon); Henry McGuire and Luke Laird 62; Hugh McGuire 358. Motion was made and carried to adjourn until Sunday morning. The Drone was sung as the closing song. The convention was dismissed with prayer offered by Chaplain Arlon Gardner.

    Sunday, August 24

    Mark Davis opened the Sunday morning session by leading 30t. W. M. Allen offered the opening prayer. Mark Davis led 42, and then reminded everyone on committees about reports. Leaders: John Van Horn 179, 67; Jean Gray 143, 288; W. M. Allen 75, 490; Arlon Gardner 201, 76b; Hugh Bill McGuire 274t, 209; Drew McGuire 108t, 573 (CB); Mark Davis 117.

    Recess.

    The class was brought back together by John Van Horn leading 564. Leaders: Junie McNeil 145t, 319; Bruce Hedrick 78b (CH), 248 (CH); Hugh McGuire 137, 344 (CB); Karen Swenson 264 (CH), 299, 163b, 163t; Drew McGuire 269 (CH), 184. W. M. Allen offered prayer before the noon meal.

    Lunch.

    The singing resumed Sunday afternoon with Hugh McGuire leading 470 (OSH). Leaders: Mark Davis 234; Natalie Davis 354b, 345t (CH); Esther Mann 179, 188; Susan Duckie 178, 128; Brian Harrison 139, 457; Henry McGuire 78 (CB), 229; Mark Davis 129; John Van Horn 281b (CH); Arlon Gardner 454; W. M. Allen 282; Junie McNeil 503; Mark Davis 408, 128b (CH). The memorial lesson was conducted by Marsha Hedrick and Ester Mann leading 155 and 235 in memory of the deceased. Hugh McGuire presented the Resolutions Committee Report thanking Antioch Church, the singers, and those who brought food.

    Recess.

    Leaders: John Van Horn 68b; Hugh Bill McGuire 313 (CH); Hugh McGuire 111b; Susan Duckie 59; Natalie Davis 343; Brian Harrison 284 (requested by his mother Judy Harrison and grandmother, Mrs. W. M. Allen); Marsha Hedrick 85, 206 (for Emma Lou Rigdon); Alfred Bailey 117 (CH) (by request of daughter and son-in-law). Announcements were made. President Davis led Drone as the closing song. The class was dismissed with prayer offered 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

    Taylor

    Lafayette County, Mississippi

    October 12, 2008

    The twentieth 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, 276 and 126. John Van Horn led the morning prayer. Leaders: Mark Tew 339, 460, 39t; Hugh Bill McGuire, 39b, 328; John Van Horn 163t, 299, 300; Anne Steel 171, 86, 434; Brenda Merritt 203, 430, 542; John Wall 312b, 162; Arlon Gardner 277, 457, 448t.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Warren Steel called the class together leading song on page 222. Other leaders: Chuck Howell 176b, 177, 112; Jeff Corbett 53, 350, 81t; John Merritt 274t, 294; John and Brenda Merritt 438, for Arlon and Peth Gardner; Andy Davis 120, 269, 192; Jamie Corbett 354b, 40, 178; Kevin Dyess 63, 388, 186; Warren Steel and Andy Waller, 65, for Carol Watts, who went to the hospital this morning; Warren Steel 236; Mark Tew 341, 217; Hugh Bill McGuire 196; John Van Horn 77t; Anne Steel 179; Brenda Merritt 282; John Wall 45t; Warren Steel 408, for Judge Don Treloar; Arlon Gardner 76b, 384; Chuck Howell 32t; Jeff Corbett 344; John Merritt 271t; Andy Davis 436, 379; Kevin Dyess 348b. Following announcements Warren Steel led the closing song on page 235, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Chuck Howell.


    Calhoun County Nursing Home

    Calhoun City, Mississippi

    December 6, 2008

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Calhoun County Nursing Home was called to order at 1:30 by Robert Earl Alexander leading song on page 108t and 108b. Leaders: Charles Porter, 136. 137, 155; Curtis Gregory, 119, 323b; Wilma Mitchell, 47t, 120, 569b; Warren Steel, 39t, 274t, 276, 288; Anne Steel, 282, 354b, 186; Mark Tew, 335, J.L. White edition (W)494 ("Don't Grieve Your Mother"), 59; Kevin Dyess, 66, 72b, 79; Chuck Howell, W517 ("Not Made with Hands"), 373, 176b; John Van Horn, 63, 45t, 176t, W519 ("Land of Beulah"); Hugh Bill McGuire, 273; Kevin Dyess, 52t, 53. Following announcements, Robert Earl Alexander led the closing song on page 124, and Elder Charles Porter dismissed the class with prayer.

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