Mississippi Sacred Harp Singings

Selected Minutes, 2009

  • Oxford (University of Mississippi)
  • Bethel
  • Concord
  • Vicksburg
  • Sherman
  • Oak Springs
  • 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 8, 2009

    The twenty-ninth 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 48t. Mark Davis led the morning prayer. Mark Tew led song on page 108t, and the class organized by electing the following officers: Chairman, Warren Steel; Vice Chairman, Mark Tew; Secretary, John Merritt; Arranging Committee, Carolyn Thompson; Hospitality, Anne Steel and Brenda Merritt. Leaders: John Merritt, 176t; Gravis Ballinger (AL), 182; Hugh Bill McGuire, 472; Will Gilman, 268; John Wall, 338; Lena Keeton (AL), 480; Bunk Beasley (AL), 45t; Wanda Capps (AL), 430; Gary Smith (AL), 565; Nathan Zweig (IN), 34b; Lela Crowder (GA), 77t; Bea Carnathan (AL), 205; Danny Creel (AL), 498; Mark Davis, 47b; Kathy Robinson (AL), 546; Emily Creel (AL), 504; Velton Chafin (AL), 355; Henry Guthery (AL), 528; Tim Watkins (TN), 35; Jeff Corbett (AR), 125.

    Recess.

    Warren Steel called the class together leading song on page 411. Leaders: Anne Steel, 348b; Kevin Dyess, 274t; Jan Murray, 36b; Josie Hyde (AL), 361; Chuck Howell, 569b; Larry Ballinger (AL), 133; Brenda Merritt, 542; Ken Tate (AL), 107; Arlon Gardner, 277; Dorothea Maynard (TN), 319; Jessica Burnett (AL), 282; Juanita Beasley (AL), 61; Henry McGuire, 183; Margaret Keeton (AL), 91; Faye Donaldson (AL), 225; Lee Burnett (AL), 29b; Natalie Davis, 354b; Sarah Smith (AL), 340; John Van Horn, 189; Jim Greer (TN), 135; Lisa Geist (AL), 304.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    The afternoon session began with Mark Tew leading song on page 269. Other leaders: Hannah Tate (AL), 454; Chiquita Walls, 30t; Jack Barbera, 335; Marlin Beasley (AL), 318; Phil Kliewer (TN), 330b; Sr. Susan Karina Dickey, 128; Sarah Gilman, 108t; Carolyn Thompson (AL), 442; Nathan Zweig, 331; Janet Jenkins, 288; John Merritt, 400; John Wall, 236; Danny Creel, 34t; Velton Chafin, 177; Lela Crowder, 422. A memorial lesson was held at this time. Warren Steel led 163 in memory of Joe Cobb, John Etheridge, Pauline Childers, and Betty Maynard. Danny Creel led 530 in honor of homebound singers Harrison Creel and Ann Ballard. End of memorial lesson. Other leaders: Dorothea Maynard, 57; Chuck Howell, 232; Brenda Merritt, 436; Henry McGuire, 490; Arlon Gardner, 163t; Bunk and Marlin Beasley, 72b; Tim Watkins, 48b; Josie Hyde, 507; Kevin Dyess, 63; Kathy Robinson, 192; Will Gilman, 273; Hugh Bill McGuire, 396; Wanda Capps, 142; Carolyn Thompson, 383; Henry Guthery, 140; Emily Creel, 228. Following announcements, Warren Steel led the closing song on page 134, 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

    Bethel

    Bruce, Mississippi

    April 5, 2009

    April

    The sixtieth 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, then led songs on page 297, 273 and 49b. Leaders: Kurt Davis, 269, 133; Anne Steel, 123t, 268, 171; Virginia Carter, 34b, 147b, 131b; Natalie Davis, 354b, 345t, 345b; Brenda Merritt, 274t, 277, 225t; Drew McGuire, 409, 569b, 373.

    secretary

    Recess.

    Mark Davis called the class together leading songs on page 134, 299 and 84. Other leaders: John Merritt, 323t, 278b, 271t; Chuck Howell, 323b, 176b, 177; Warren Steel, 189, 423, 428, 418.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    After lunch, Hugh Bill McGuire called the afternoon session together leading song on page 312b. Other leaders: Henry McGuire, J.L. White edition (W)484b, W508t (The Better Country), 542; Linda Funderburk, 121, 103, 122; T.J. Funderburk, 68b, 61, 63; Robert Earl Alexander, 290, 146; George Easley, 438, 523; Kevin Dyess, 200, 192, 196; Natalie Davis, 45t; John Van Horn and Drew McGuire, 236.

    Recess.

    Mark Davis brought the class together leading 181 and 198. Leaders: Anne Steel, 512; Brenda Merritt, 430, 436; Chuck Howell, 112, 147t; John Merritt, W543t (Alone); Warren Steel, 195, 378b; Henry McGuire, 254, 327; Linda Funderburk, 328; T.J. Funderburk, 145t; Robert Earl Alexander, W517 (Not Made With Hands); Kevin Dyess, 87 (for Fred Hawkins), 388; Melanie Young, Julie Stiles and Warren Steel, 400; Hugh Bill and Drew McGuire, W505 (Roll On Dark Stream). Following announcements, Hugh Bill, Henry and Drew McGuire led the closing song on page W60 (Nearer Home), and the class was dismissed with prayer by R.E. Alexander.

    Chairman - Hugh Bill McGuire
    Secretary - Warren Steel

    Poplar Springs

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    May 3, 2009

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Poplar Springs Baptist Church took place on the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the church. The singing was called to order after lunch by John Van Horn leading song on page 48t, 48b and 49b. He then called the following leaders: Robert Earl Alexander, 52t, 143, J.L. White edition (W)519; T.J. Funderburk, 30t, 63, 68b; Charles Porter, 136, 137, 155; Hugh Bill McGuire, 378t, 378b, 312b; George Easley, 313, 438, W60; John Van Horn, W494, 236; Warren Steel, 36b, 37t, 67; Linda Funderburk, 373, 288, 47b; Robert Earl Alexander, 124; T.J. Funderburk, 45t, 61; Charles Porter, 490, 379; Hugh Bill McGuire, 83t; George Easley, W527; Warren Steel, 75, 74b; Linda Funderburk, 147t; Following announcements, John Van Horn led the closing song on page 452, and the Rev. R.E. Alexander dismissed the class with prayer.


    Concord

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    May 17, 2009

    The one hundred thirty-fifth annual Sacred Harp singing at Concord Baptist Church was called to order after dinner by John Van Horn leading song on page 52t. He then led the opening prayer and led led song on page 53, then called the following leaders: Wanda Gregg, 40, 460; Natalie Davis, 79, 354b, 345t; Hugh Bill McGuire, 345b; Debbie Dunn, 127, 297, 313t; Anne Steel, 378b, 503, 318; Robert Earl Alexander, 319, 334, J.L. White book (W)517 (Not Made With Hands); Kevin Dyess, 388; Melanie Young, 45t, 288; Warren Steel, 106, 107, 436; John Van Horn, 236, Mark Davis, 200, 410t, 209; Linda Jenkins 63; Marietta Wilkinson, 72b; Wanda Gregg, 515, 143; Natalie Davis, 87; Hugh Bill McGuire, 349; Anne Steel, 61; Debbie Dunn, 341, 358, 46; Mark Davis, 182, 203; Kevin Dyess, 274; Warren Steel, 285t, 282. Following announcements, John Van Horn led closing songs on page 162 and W494 (Don't Grieve Your Mother), and Robert Earl Alexander dismissed the class with prayer.


    Holt Collier Mississippi Bear Hunt Singing

    Vicksburg, Mississippi

    May 30-31, 2009

    Saturday, May 30

    The 3nd annual Holt Collier/Mississippi Bear Hunt Singing Convention was called to order by John Merritt leading 59 (CB). Arlon Gardner offered the morning prayer. John Merritt explained that the class could sing from The Sacred Harp, 1991 Edition, The B.F. White Sacred Harp, Cooper Edition, or the Alabama Christian Harmony. Leaders: Henry Guthery 138t (CB), 450 (CB); Arlon Gardner 155 (CHa), 277; Juanita Beasley 39b, 61; Robert Vaughn 569b, 340; Marilyn Burchett 175b (CB), 72 (CB); Vic Whisman 34b, 84; Sandie Scott 171 (CHa), 571 (CB).

    Recess.

    John Merritt brought the class to order by leading 120 (CHa). Leaders: Carolyn Thompson 53, 442; Luke Daniel 180 (CHa); Hugh Bill McGuire 328, 472; Elene Stovall 216, 534; Kurt Davis 87, 155; Gary Smith 281 (CHa), 142 (CHa); Will Gilman 44, 268.

    Recess.

    Henry Guthery brought the class to order leading 204b (CHa). Leaders: Hans Guttmann 505 (CB), 270 (CB); Natalie Davis 354b, 572 (CB); David Daniel 143 (CHa); Sr. Susan Dickey OP 178, 128; Robert DuPree 63t (CHa), 293 (CHa); Drew McGuire 209, 240; Ken Sundberg 513, 358; John Merritt and Ken Kelley 369 (CHa).

    Lunch.

    Gaylon Powell brought the class to order leading 248 (CHa) and 203 (CHa). Leaders: John Van Horn 168 (CHa), 133 (CHa); Danny Creel 354t (CHa), 172 (CHa); Alice Sundberg 511t (CB), 518 (CB); Greg Howard 574 (CB), 448t; Martha Beverly 264 (CHa) (for Ruth Wyers), 258 (CHa) (with John Merritt); Ron Ryan 55 (CB), 550 (CB); Emily Creel 140 (CB), 86 (CB); Mark Davis 41t (CHa), 101 (CHa).

    Recess.

    Henry Schuman brought the class to order by leading 32t. Leaders: John Merritt 392 (CB); Marlin Beasley 137 (CB), 500 (CB); Tammy Powell 64 (CHa), 250 (CHa); Robert Walker 214 (CHa), 171; Sarah Smith 279 (CHa), 40t (CHa); Bill Beverly 547, 86 (with John Merritt); Darlene Reynolds 484b (CB), 188t (CHa); Henry McGuire 522 (CB), 411 (CB). John Merritt led 23b (CB) as the closing song. Robert Vaughn offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

    Sunday, May 31

    The Sunday session was called to order by John Merritt leading 569 (CB). Arlon Gardner offered the morning prayer. Leaders: Henry Guthery 316 (CHa) 19 (CHa); Juanita Beasley 56t, 63; Arlon Gardner 497 (CB), 380t (CB); Natalie Davis 345t, 79; Ron Ryan 210b (CHa), 333; Luke Daniel and Gabe Sonnier 109 (CHa); Sandra Melscheimer and John Merritt 176t (CB), 96 (CB).

    Recess.

    John Merritt brought the class back together by leading Higher Ground. Leaders: Robert Vaughn 468 (CB), 521 (CB); Emily Creel 57 (CHa), 352 (CHa); Bill Beverly 191 (CHa), 81t (CHa) (with John Merritt); Ann Jett 170 (CHa), 180 (CHa); Robert Walker 51 (CHa), 99; Sarah Smith 59 (CHa), 117 (CHa).

    Recess.

    The class was brought back together by Vic Whisman leading 106. Leaders: Vic Whisman 503, 547; Yancey Jett 89, 108b. Emily Creel and Elene Stovall conducted the memorial lesson. Emily Creel spoke of the sick and home bound and led 68b on behalf of the following: W.M. Allen, Harrison Creel, Clayton Ezell, Paul Figura, Shirley Figura, Hobbs Freeman, Marsha Headrick, Colvin Mann, Ester Mann, Ophelia Matthews, Clarence McCool, Brenda Merritt, Thurman Nall, Lou Nall, Curtis Owen, Edith Owen, Leland Owen, Myra Palmer, Sue Smith, and Ruth Wyers. Elene Stovall spoke on behalf of the deceased and led 440 and 564 in memory of the following: Frank Hataway, Denson Hinton, Mattie Townsel, and Gertha Wootten Parker - Alabama; John Etheridge - Florida; Kathryn Benefield, Frank Block, and Lee Rogers - Georgia; Pauline Creel Childers - Michigan; Dr. William Reynolds - Tennessee; Monnie Ross and Dick Steil - Texas.

    Lunch.

    John Merritt called the afternoon session to order leading 111b (for Harrison Creel). Leaders: Sandie Scott 464 (CB), 134; Danny Creel 133 (CB), 186 (CHa); Martha Beverly 82t (CHa), 82b (CHa); John Van Horn 263 (CB), 465 (CB); Greg Howard 313t, 488b (CB); Carolyn Thompson 504, 383; Gaylon Powell 232 (CB), 235 (CB); Elene Stovall 559 (CB); Hugh Bill McGuire 542, 196; Darlene Reynolds 490, 145t; Hans Guttmann 38b; Marilyn Burchett 393t (CB), 229 (CB); Marlin Beasley 77t, 406; Tammy Powell 163b; Gary Smith 46t (CHa), 30b (CHa); Mark Davis 255 (CHa), 52 (CHa). Announcements were made. John Merritt and Ken Sundberg led 323t (CB) as the closing song. Robert Vaughn dismissed the class with prayer.

    Chairman - John Merritt
    Chairman - Henry Guthery
    Secretary - Henry Schuman

    Sherman

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    June 7, 2009

    The sixtieth annual Hill Roane memorial Sacred Harp Singing at Sherman Baptist Church was called to order by Mark Davis leading song on page 37b. Roy Davis led the morning prayer. Mark Davis then led songs on page 101t and 39t, and called the following leaders: John Van Horn, 42, 43, 125; Natalie Davis, 79, 345t, 354b; Andy Davis, 215, 269, 198; Kevin Dyess, 162, 163t, 282.

    Recess.

    Mark Davis reassembled the class with song on page 73t. Leaders: John Merritt, 131b, 38b, 271t; Kurt Davis, 137, 155, 268; Arlon Gardner, 83t, 201, 546, 542; Darlene Reynolds, 569b, 335, 490; Warren Steel, 291, 160t, 115; Henry McGuire, 214, 535, 40.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Mark Davis called the afternoon session together leading song on page 334 for Roy Davis. Other leaders: Chuck Howell, 177, 313t, 127; Sarah Tidwell, 72b, 89; Natalie Davis, Cooper Revision (C)572 (We Will Sing With Angels There); Mark Davis, J.L. White edition (W)154b (Eden); W60 (Nearer Home); John Van Horn, 168, 176b; Andy Davis, 183, 182, 254; Kevin Dyess, 274t, C392 (Little Pilgrim); John Merritt, C95b (The Christian's Love), C95t (Farewell, Vain World); Arlon Gardner, 378b, C380t (Nettie); 65.

    Recess.

    Mark Davis called the class together leading song on page W505 (Roll On, Dark Stream). Leaders: Warren Steel, 482, 274b; W271b (Come On, My Friends); Chuck Howell, C96 (Mercy Seat); Hugh Bill McGuire, W264b (Noah's Dove); W118b (Enon); Mark Davis, 56b. Following announcements, Mark Davis led the closing song on page 378t, and Chuck Howell dismissed the class with prayer.

    Chairman - Mark Davis
    Secretary - Warren Steel

    Oak Springs

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    June 14, 2009

    The annual Sacred Harp Singing at Oak Springs Church was called to order by John Van Horn leading song on page 59. Rev. Billy Wayne Baker led the morning prayer. John Van Horn led the following songs: 58, 63, 45t, 72b, 34b, 35, 452, 378t. At 11:00, the regular preaching service followed.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    John Van Horn called the class to order after dinner leading songs on page 48t, 28b, 61. Other leaders: Warren Steel, 47t, 47b, 29t, 312b, 108b, 108t, 36b; Curtis Bryant, 119, 323b, Christian Harmony (CH)248 (Twilight Is Falling, J.L. White edition (W) 517 (Not Made With Hands); George Easley, W543t (Alone); 523, 288; John Van Horn, 418, W494 (Don't Grieve Your Mother), W519 (Land of Beulah), 147t; Warren Steel, 236, 268, 144, 39t, 39b, 379. Following announcements, John Van Horn led the closing song on page 62 and the class was dismissed with prayer by George Easley.


    Cherry Tree

    Itawamba County, Mississippi

    July 26, 2009

    The annual Cherry Tree singing was held at James Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Itawamba County on the fourth Sunday in July. Dale Kennedy and Matthew Cook called the class to order leading song on page 124. Dale Kennedy led the morning prayer. Leaders: Matthew Cook, 312b; Seth Poston, 358, 275b; Faye Donaldson, 225t, 410t; Betty Baccus, 100, 145v (in memory of Elmer Conwill); Dale Kennedy, 61, 59; Matthew Cook and Seth Poston, 490 (for Ms. Phillips), 319, 373 (for John Phillips); Dale Kennedy, 31t.

    Recess.

    Dale Kennedy called the class to order leading 77t. Leaders: Matthew Kook and Seth Poston, 569b, 30t, 44, 129, 111t; Joan Underwood, 524, 325; Jayne Fulmer, 146, 317; Dale and Susan Kennedy, 348b, 127; Seth Poston, 235, 294, 45t (in memory of Wilburn Kennedy).

    Dismissed for lunch.

    The class was called to order by Dale Kennedy leading 47t. Leaders: Seth Poston, 401, 274t; Matthew Cook, 46, 339; Matthew Cook and Seth Poston, 47b, 300, 40 (for Alice McGuire); Faye Donaldson, 270, 288; Dale Kennedy, 68b (for Hugh Bill McGuire), 39b, 32t, 128, 159. Dale Kennedy announced that this singing will be discontinued for now, with the possibility of starting it back at a later date as a Saturday singing. Dale Kennedy then dismissed the class with prayer.


    Calhoun County Musical Association

    Bethel Primitive Baptist Church

    August 8, 2009

    President John L. Van Horn called the convention to order and sang 30t and 32t. President appointed Robert Earl Alexander chaplain, who offered the opening prayer and sang 108b and 108t. T.J. Funderburk sang 63 and 47b. President apponted executive committee: Hugh Bill McGuire, Mark Davis and Andy Davis. President welcomed all present and called for corresponding delegates: Chickasaw Convention, George Easley, T.J. Funderburk and Charles Porter; motion was made and carried to seat these delegates. Leaders: Charles Porter, 136, 137; Darlene Reynolds, 569b, 496; Wilma Mitchell, 147t, 47t; Anne Steel, 203, 148; Natalie Davis, 354b, 345t; Arlon Gardner, 67, 106.

    Recess.

    The president restored order and sang 186. Other leaders: Jeff Corbett, 350, 56t; John Merritt, 429, 271t; George Easley, 34b, 313t; Chuck Howell, 373, 112; Warren Steel, 213, 224; Mark Davis, 56b, 283; Jamie Corbett, 45t, 133; Linda Funderburk, 278t, 278b.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    President Van Horn called the convention to order and led 200. Leaders: Kevin Dyess, 176t, 547; Andy Davis, 198, 254; Hugh Bill McGuire, 236; T.J. Funderburk, 61, 68b; Darlene Reynolds, 145t; Wilma Mitchell, 480; Anne Steel, 285t, 157; Natalie Davis, 145b, 79; Arlon Dardner, 377, 163t; Jeff Corebett, 326, 361; George Easley, 438.

    Recess.

    The president restored order and sang 36b. Business session. Officers elected were president, John Van Horn; secretary, Virginia Carter. Committee reported no deaths; reported on finances, agreed to meet at Bethel in 2010. Committee report accepted by vote. Leaders: Chuck Howell, 232; Mark Davis, 392, 396; Warren Steel, 383, 495; Linda Funderburk, 421, 330t; Kevin Dyess, 274t, 348b; Andy Davis, 400, 182; Jamie Corbett, 344. President appointed as delegates to the Chickasaw Convention and the State Convention: John Van Horn, Hugh Bill McGuire, Alice McGuire. Following announcements, John Van Horn led closing song 122 and the convention was dismissed with prayer by T.J. Funderburk.

    President - John Van Horn
    Secretary - Virginia Carter

    Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention

    Antioch Primitive Baptist Church

    August 22-23, 2009

    Saturday, August 22

    The 81st annual session of the Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention convened at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, Forest, 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 called the meeting to order by leading 37b. He welcomed everyone to the convention. Arlon Gardner offered the opening prayer. Leaders: Mark Davis 36b; John L. Van Horn 200, 209; Arlon Gardner 67; Jean Gray 82t, 63; Darlene Reynolds 484 (CB), 248 (CH) (for Marsha Hedrick and Bruce). The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: President - Mark Davis; Vice President - John L. Van Horn; Secretary - Jean Gray; Assistant Secretary - Darlene Reynolds; Chaplains - Arlon Gardner and W.M. Allen; Arranging Committee - Junie McNeil and Nancy Van Den Akker; Business and Credentials Committee - Hugh McGuire, Henry McGuire, and Tim Gray; Memorial Committee - John Hollingsworth and Wanda Gregg. Leaders: Baron Powers 268, 85; Wanda Gregg 460, 40; Jeanette Nelson 171, 455; Elizabeth Murleisen 75 (CH), 503; Hans Gutterman 38b (CB), 505 (CB); Velton Chafin 316 (CH), 308 (CH).

    Recess.

    Leaders: Hugh McGuire 124, 276; Sarah Smith 572 (CB); John Hollingsworth 182, 176t; Billy Hollingsworth 232 (CB), 235 (CB); Bobby Caldwell 216t (CH), 55b (CH); Madeline Freeman, Will Freeman, Haley Gray, and Heidi Gray 354b, 45t (CB); Anne Steel 378b, 318; Ross Brand 270 (CB), 380t (CB).

    Lunch.

    After a bountiful and delicious lunch, John Van Horn brought the class to order by leading 358. President Davis thanked Mr. Alfred Bailey and the people of Antioch Primitive Baptist Church for their hospitality and led 117 (CH). Leaders: Danny Creel 354t (CH), 82b (CH); Renee Eady 214 (CH); Ken Tate 54 (CH), 64 (CH); Henry McGuire 442; Henry McGuire and Tim Gray 240 (in memory of Durward Scarborough); Warren Steel 212, 213t; Emily Mayes Massey 184 (CH); John Merritt 559 (CB) (for Brenda Merritt), 138t (CB); T.J. Funderburk 282, 569b; Nancy Van Den Akker 133 (CH), 142 (CH); Seth Holloway 571 (CB), 388 (CB).

    Recess.

    Mark Davis brought the class together leading 384. Leaders: Tim Gray, Haley Gray, Heidi Gray, Madelyn Freeman, and Will Freeman 323 (CH), 500 (CB); Hugh Bill McGuire, Hugh McGuire, and Henry McGuire 51 (CH), 472; Linda Funderburk 361, 290; Mike McNeil 522 (CB), 172 (CH); John Todd 127, 172; Wilma Mitchell 147t; Wilma Mitchell and Mike McNeil 204t (CH) (in memory of Bennie Rigdon); Junie McNeil 43 (CH), 253 (CH). Following announcements, The Drone was sung, and the class was dismissed with prayer offered by Chaplain Gardner.

    Sunday, August 23

    President Mark Davis opened the Sunday morning session of the Mississippi State Sacred Harp Convention by leading 176b. He welcomed everyone back to the convention. Arlon Gardner offered the opening prayer. President Davis appointed Mike McNeil and Hans Gutterman to the Resolutions Committee. Leaders: Mark Davis 106; John Van Horn 120, 215; Arlon Gardner and Peth Gardner 277, 272; Jean Gray 143, 108t; Darlene Reynolds 335, 490; Jeanette Nelson 344, 482; Baron Powers 119, 79; Gary Smith 281b (CH), 30b (CH).

    Recess.

    The class was brought back together by John Van Horn leading 355 (CH). Leaders: Nancy Van Den Akker 339 (CH), 251 (CH); Hans Gutterman 372 (CH), 511t (CB); Sarah Smith 85b (CH), 101 (CH); Wanda Gregg 186, 288; Hugh McGuire 234, 350 (CH); Billy Hollingsworth 225t (CB), 225t (CH).

    Lunch.

    The afternoon session was opened by Arlon Gardner leading 155. Leaders: Natalie Davis 572 (CB), 354b; John Hollingsworth 354t; Elizabeth Murliesen 515, 64; Mike McNeil 176 (CH), 322 (CH); Wilma Mitchell 68b, 480 (in memory of Janice Nelson); Hugh Bill McGuire 65, 196; Junie McNeil 503 (CB), 344; Henry McGuire 254, 269. A business meeting was held at 2:00 p.m. The Business and Credentials Committee reported three county conventions represented, and sufficient donations to cover expenses. The Memorial Committee conducted the memorial lesson. The following list of names of sick and shut-ins was read: Marsha Hedrick, W.M. Allen, Charles Porter, and Clarence McCool. Wanda Gregg offered an uplifting prayer for all the sick and shut-ins. John Hollingsworth and Wanda Gregg led 95b (CB) in their honor. The following list of names of deceased members was read: Joe Cobb - Mississippi; Dr. William Reynolds - Tennessee, Art Deason - Alabama; John Etheridge - Florida. Wanda Gregg offered a prayer of blessing for these people and for their families, and led 347 in their memory. The Resolutions Committee reported the following: Thanks to our Heavenly Father for this weekend of singing and fellowship; a special thank you to Antioch Church, all of the visitors (some who traveled a great distance), and for two wonderful days of delicious food. All committee reports were accepted. President Davis appointed the following to serve as the Location Committee: Mark Davis, Henry McGuire, and John Van Horn.

    Recess.

    Leaders: Hugh McGuire 408; Billy Hollingsworth 507b (CB); Gary Smith 171; Jeanette Nelson 488b (CB); Baron Powers 81t; Sarah Smith 149 (CH); Nancy Van Den Akker 178; Hans Gutterman 38t (CB); John Hollingsworth 393t (CB); Seth Holloway 294. Announcements were made. A motion and second were made to close the convention. The Drone was the closing song, and John Van Horn offered the closing prayer.

    President - Mark Davis
    Vice President - John Van Horn
    Secretary - Jean Gray

    Taylor

    Lafayette County, Mississippi

    October 11, 2009

    The twenty-second 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 73t. John Van Horn led the morning prayer. Leaders: Kevin Dyess, 52t, 480; John Van Horn, 77t, 209; John Wall, 358, 142; George Easley 34b, 299; Hugh Bill McGuire 203; Ross Brand 277, 82t; Brenda Merritt 86, 428; Carolyn Thompson 505, 278t; Xaris Martinez 390, 31t; Jeff Corbett 192, 31t; Anne Steel 268, 278b.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Warren Steel called the class together leading song on page 36b. Other leaders: John Merritt 300, 271t; Sarah Tidwell 129, 146; Jamie Corbett 354b, 133; Mary Amelia Taylor and Ashley Wigley 159, 63; Jack Barbera 139, 179; Thomas Cesario 176b, 176t; Andy Paney 100, 210; Kevin Dyess 236.

    Recess.

    Warren Steel brought the class together leading song on page 70b. Leaders: John Van Horn 410t; John Wall 45t; Hugh Bill McGuire 542; Ross Brand 455. Anne Steel led 147t in memory of Charlotte Hille, then 61; Carolyn Thompson 297, 481; Brenda Merritt 378b; Xaris Martinez 328; John Merritt "Higher Ground"; Sarah Tidwell 42; Jamie Corbett 186; Mary Amelia Taylor 162; Ashley Wigley 137; Thomas Cesario 274b; Andy Paney 274t; Warren Steel 327. Following announcements Warren Steel led the closing song on page 378t, and the class was dismissed with prayer by John Merritt.


    Calhoun County Nursing Home

    Calhoun City, Mississippi

    December 5, 2009

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Calhoun County Nursing Home was called to order at 1:30 by John Van Horn leading song on page 68b and 72b. Leaders: Mark Tew, 59, 335; T.J. Funderburk, 63, 47b; Kevin Dyess, 273, 236; Anne Steel, 65, 142; Chuck Howell, 373, 153; George Easley, 34b, 438; Warren Steel, 440, 306; Linda Funderburk, 143, 128; John Van Horn, 523, J.L. White edition (W)494 "Don't Grieve Your Mother"; Hugh Bill McGuire, W517 "Not Made With Hands"; Ron Cockrell, 452, W519 "Land of Beulah"; Mark Tew, 269; T.J. Funderburk, 45t; Kevin Dyess, 318; Anne Steel, 385t; Chuck Howell, 565; George Easley, W60 "Nearer Home"; Warren Steel, 186; Linda Funderburk, W491 "Jesus Died for Me"; Hugh Bill McGuire, 49b. Following announcements, Elder Ron Cockrell dismissed the class with prayer.

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