Mississippi Sacred Harp Singings

Selected Minutes, 2019

  • Oxford
  • Bethel
  • Enon
  • Concord
  • Vicksburg
  • Sherman
  • Calhoun County Convention
  • Mississippi State Convention
  • Taylor
  • Calhoun County Nursing Home
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    Powerhouse Community Arts Center
    Oxford, Mississippi
    March 10, 2019

    The thirty-ninth annual Oxford Sacred Harp Singing was held in the Powerhouse Community Arts Center on the second Sunday in March. The class was called to order by Warren Steel leading 138b. He then offered the morning prayer and led 57. Mark Davis led 83t and 108t. Lisa Geist was appointed secretary, Nicholas Thompson, arranging committee. Leaders: Lisa Geist (AL) 527. 228; Nicholas Thompson (AL) 275b, 137; Jan Murray 282, 457; Arlon Gardner, Sophia Gardner and Samantha Gardner, 347, 313b; Susan Dickey 178, 274t; Anne Steel 289, 171; Loretta Whitman (AL) 399b, 406; Will Gatewood 163t, 56t.

    Recess.

    Mark Davis brought the class to order leading 170. Leaders: Henry McGuire 195, 56b; Marlin Beasley (AL) 318, 336; Chuck Howell 569b, 32t; Judy Caudle (AL) 314, 389; Becky Briggs (FL) 340, 335; Larry Ballinger (AL) 72b, 68b; Tim Gregg (KY) 27, 426b; Linda Funderburk (AR) 63, 334; David Jackson (AL) 101t, 49b. A memorial lesson was held. Susan Dickey led 65 for the sick and homebound. Warren Steel led 285t in memory of the deceased: Eugene Forbes, Willodean Barton, Glenda Hopper (Alabama); Freddie Briggs (Florida); Logan A. Green (Arkansas); Robin Mathis (Mississippi). Sister Susan Dickey offered the memorial prayer.

    Lunch.

    Warren Steel called the afternoon session to order leading 215. Leaders: Matt Bell (TN) 157, 414; Leanne Hubbard 45t, 146; Mark Tew 59, 339; Scotty Polston 350, 40; Juanita Beasley (AL) 61, 30t; Bunk Beasley (AL) 81t, 354b; Nicholas Thompson 454 for Darlene Reynolds, who was listening via mobile phone; Lisa Geist and Larry Ballinger 528; Tim Gregg 540; Will Gatewood 455; Matt Bell 165, Henry McGuire 460; Marlin Beasley 317; Judy Caudle 348b; David Jackson 480, Arlon Gardner 448t; Anne Steel 268; Mark Davis 442; Loretta Whitman 373; Linda Funderburk 143; Chuck Howell and John Ross Howell 452. Following announcements, Warren Steel, Mark Davis, Lisa Geist and Nicholas Thompson led the closing song on 278b, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Matt Bell.

    Chairman - Warren Steel, mudws@olemiss.edu
    Vice-Chairman - Mark Davis,
    Secretary - Lisa Geist

    Bethel

    Bruce, Mississippi

    April 7, 2019

    The seventieth annual Sacred Harp singing at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church was held on Easter Sunday in memory of Hugh Bill McGuire. Henry McGuire called the class to order leading 487t (WB). John Van Horn led the morning prayer. Henry McGuire then led 486t (WB), and appointed Nicholas Thompson to call leaders. Leaders: Mark Davis 68t, 107; Nicholas Thompson 126m 130; Warren Steel 411, 320 (WB); John Van Horn 200, 47b; Ken Tate 135, 123t; Will Gatewood 72b, 546 (WB); Earl Ballinger 418, 283; Shelbie Castillo 42, 304.

    Recess.

    Chris Ballinger called the class together leading 146 and 350. Other leaders: Anne Steel 73t, 209; Danny Creel 215, 217; Lisa Geist 527, 492; Darlene Reynolds 480, 454; Larry Ballinger 120, 112; Will McGuire 121, 181; Mark Tew 406, 46; Sarah Tidwell 63, 61; John Van Horn 196, 205; Reba Windom 36b; Henry McGuire 532, 276 for Margaret Keeton; Nicholas Thompson and Lisa Geist 472; Shelbie Castillo and Reba Windom 145t.

    Lunch.

    Henry McGuire called the afternoon session together leading 495 (WB). Other leaders: Reba Windom 186, 542; Chuck Howell 225t, 373; Robert Earl Alexander 333, 124; Darlene Reynolds 511 (WB); Lisa Geist 182; Will Gatewood 183; Larry Ballinger 68b; Mark Tew 318; Chris Ballinger 477 for Alice McGuire, 478t (WB); Charles McGuire 354b; Shelbie Castillo 430; Earl Ballinger 378t; Warren Steel 422 (WB); Will McGuire 460; Anne Steel 378b; Ken Tate 549; Chuck Howell 49b; Robert Earl Alexander 290; Henry, Will and Charles McGuire 492 (WB). Following announcements, Henry McGuire and Mark Davis led the closing song on page 62, and the class was dismissed with prayer by Rev. Robert Earl Alexander.

    Chairman - Henry McGuire
    Vice Chairman - Mark Davis
    Secretary - Warren Steel

    Enon

    Chickasaw County, Mississippi

    April 21, 2019

    The 103d annual singing at Enon Primitive Baptist Church was called to order after dinner on Easter Sunday by Kim Funderburk leading songs on page 30t and 31t. She then called the following leaders: Linda Funderburk 37b, 108b; Ester Mann 137, 297, 426t; Judy Harrison 358, 490, 341; Anne Steel 379, 378b, 378t; Colvin Mann 63, 155, 147t; Warren Steel 36b, 203, 144; Robert Earl Alexander 35, 106; Regina Derstine 179, 87, 128; Warren Steel 236, 288; Kim Funderburk 47b; Regina Derstine 551 (for Maybellene Easley); Linda Funderburk 569b (for Jimmy Smith), 119; Following announcements, Kim Funderburk led the closing song on page 61, and Robert Earl Alexander dismissed the class with prayer.

    Chairman - Kim Funderburk
    Vice Chairman - Ester Mann
    Secretary - Warren Steel

    Concord

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    May 19, 2019

    The one hundred forty-fifth annual Sacred Harp singing at Concord Baptist Church was called to order after dinner by John Van Horn leading songs on page 45t, 63 and 162. Other leaders: Warren Steel 61, 74b, 36b; Mark Davis 155, 209, 203; Andy Davis 106, 47t, 47b, 282; Robert Earl Alexander 354b, 313t, 64; Kim Dunn Burt 457, W519; Andy Davis 297; Warren Steel 82b; Mark Davis 230; John Van Horn 65. Following announcements, Robert Earl Alexander led the closing song on page 46 and dismissed the class with prayer.

    Chairman - John Van Horn
    Secretary - Warren Steel

    John N. Merritt Memorial

    Vicksburg, Mississippi

    May 25-26, 2019

    Saturday, May 25

    The 8th annual John Newton Merritt Memorial Singing was called to order by Henry McGuire leading 32t. Elder Robert Vaughn offered the morning prayer. Leaders: Henry McGuire 131 (CH); Mark Davis 36t, 281b (CH); Darlene Reynolds 484 (CB); Bentley Rose 282; Amber Davis 155, 157; Robert Vaughn and Gabe Monroe 153, 72b; Sister Susan Dickey 178, 274t; Wilma Mitchell 480; Will Gatewood and Henry McGuire 460, 45t; Sonya Kirkham 99 (CB), 269 (CB).

    Recess.

    Leaders: Henry McGuire 196 (WB); Carole Watts 392 (CB), 361 (CB); Charlie McGuire 486t (WB), 480 (WB); Jamira Jackson 42, 455; Will McGuire 360, 142 (CH); Gwen Reiner 569b, 47t; Ben Fink 315, 520 (CB).

    Lunch.

    Leaders: Ben Fink 67; Scott Reiner 49t, 548 (WB); Regina Derstine 45b (CB), 98 (CB); Chris Nicholson 212 (CB), 95b (CB); Lisa Geist 273, 528; Robert Vaughn 486 (CB), 514 (CB); Charlie McGuire 546 (WB), 476 (WB); Sonya Kirkham 270; Will McGuire 385t (CB); Ben Fink and Henry McGuire 582 (CB); Chris Nicholson 38t (CB); Carole Watts 36b (CB); Lisa Geist 546; Amber Davis 192; Will Gatewood 65 (WB); Wilma Mitchell 39t; Jamira Jackson 198; Gwen Reiner and Chris Nicholson 47b; Darlene Reynolds, Henry McGuire, and Ben Fink 505 (CB); Sister Susan Dickey 117 (CH); Scott Reiner 81t; Regina Derstine 393 (CB); Henry McGuire 492. Mark Davis and Henry McGuire led 62 as the closing song. Elder Robert Vaughn dismissed the class with prayer.

    Sunday, May 26

    The class was brought to order by Henry McGuire leading 138t (CB) and 140 (CB). Leaders: Mark Davis 100, 220; Nicholas Thompson 80 (CH), 93 (CH); Anne Steel 472, 65; Carole Watts 572 (CB), 573 (CB); Andy Davis 196, 434; Charlie McGuire 226t (CH), 162 (CH); Bentley Rose and Mark Davis 454, 282; Warren Steel 411, 102.

    Recess.

    Leaders: Chris Nicholson 264t (CB); Sonya Kirkham 255 (CH), 450 (CH); Will McGuire 274t (WB), 243 (CB); Lisa Davis 99, 200; Will Gatewood 489t (WB), 163t; Darlene Reynolds 515 (CB), 145t; Ben Fink 89 (CB), 486 (CB); Lisa Geist 559 (CB), 269; Chris Nicholson 477, 216; Amber Davis 300, 224. The memorial lesson was conducted by Ben Fink and Nicholas Thompson. Ben and Nicholas led 448b for the sick and shut-ins; they then led 544 in memory of the following deceased: Eugene Forbes, Willodean Barton, Ronald Gilmore, and Hazel Gilmore - Alabama; Adelaide Vaughn - Texas; Concetta Branson - Oregon; Paul Wilson - Minnesota. Mark Davis closed the memorial service with prayer.

    Lunch.

    Leaders: Henry McGuire 495 (WB); Carole Watts 578 (CB); Will McGuire 275t (WB); Ben Fink 481; Charlie McGuire 573; Anne Steel 129; Sonya Kirkham 39 (CB); Andy Davis 297; Will Gatewood 478t (WB); Lisa Geist 304; Chris Nicholson 76b (CH); Mark Davis 208 (CH); Nicholas Thompson 392; Warren Steel 203 (CH); Amber Davis 391; Henry McGuire 511 (WB), 85 (CH) (for Sandra Melsheimer). Ben Fink, Mark Davis, and Henry McGuire led "The Drone" as the closing song. The closing prayer was offered by Chris Nicholson.

    Chairman - Henry McGuire
    Vice Chairman - Mark Davis
    Secretary - Darlene Reynolds

    Sherman

    Calhoun County, Mississippi

    June 2, 2019

    The seventieth annual Hill Roane memorial Sacred Harp Singing was held at Sherman Baptist Church. The class was called to order by Mark Davis leading song on page 48t. John Van Horn led the morning prayer. Mark Davis then led 75 and appointed the secretary to call the following leaders: John Van Horn 201, 200; Warren Steel 203, 213t; Darlene Reynolds 569b, 145t; Susan Dickey 87, 49t; Anne Steel 86, 171; Amber Smith 49b, 224; Henry McGuire 285t, 327; Andy Davis 436, 455; Julie Heeren 32t, 106.

    Recess.

    Mark Davis reassembled the class with songs on page 426t. Leaders: Regina Derstine 214, 430; John Van Horn 306, 215; Kim Funderburk 45t, 47b; Warren Steel 453, 189; Mark Davis 57, 172; Susan Dickey 371, 107; Anne Steel 212, 61; Amber Davis 402, 422; Andy Davis 254.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Mark Davis called the afternoon session together leading songs on page 487t (WB) and 154b (WB). Other leaders: Julie Heerin 135, 176b; Henry McGuire 543t (WB), 495 (WB); Darlene Reynolds 486t (WB), 511 (WB); Andy Davis 209, 383; Judy Harrison 358; Louise Yeager 480; Regina Derstine 375, 208; Kim Funderburk 119; Andy Davis 236; Susan Dickey 312b, 313t; Amber Davis 283, 142; Julie Heerin 417, 418; Regina Derstine 272. Following announcements, Mark Davis led the closing song on page 378t, and Sister Susan Karina Dickey dismissed the class with prayer.

    Chairman - Mark Davis
    Secretary - Warren Steel

    Calhoun County Musical Association

    Bethel Primitive Baptist Church

    August 10, 2019

    The 142d annual session of the Calhoun County Sacred Harp Musical Association convened at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, Bruce, Mississippi. Henry McGuire called the class to order leading song on page 548t (WB). Earl Ballinger led the morning prayer. Henry McGuire then led 100. Lisa Geist called the following leaders: Warren Steel 39t, 211; Earl Ballinger 403, 402; Jim Aaron 47b, 448t; John Van Horn 166, 168; Bentley Rose 354b, 282; Robert Earl Alexander 274t, 80b; Will McGuire 103, 486t (WB); Arlon Gardner 455, 454; Mike Hankins 59, 527; Loretta Whitman 77tm 81t.

    Recess.

    Earl Ballinger called the class together leading 50b and 56t. Leaders: Drew McGuire 283, 329; Linda Booth 361, 489; Andy Davis 436, 383; Regina Derstine 284, 89; Tom Booth 499, 285t; Carolyn Thompson 208, 228; Chris Ballinger 44, 76b; Amber Davis 396; Mark Davis 95, 472; John Van Horn 171.

    Lunch.

    After a plentiful and delicious lunch, Henry McGuire restored order and sang 492 (WB). Leaders: Charlie McGuire 434, 426t (WB); Darlene Reynolds 511 (WB), 145t; Curtis Gregory 119, 40; Louise Yeager 480, 143; Kim Funderburk 154, 198; Drew McGuire 192, 195, Lisa Geist 528, 273; Warren Steel (by request) 320.

    In a business session, Drew McGuire was elected President, and Warren Steel was elected Secretary-Treasurer. The president appointed the Executive Committee: Mark Davis (Chairman), Warren Steel, and Henry McGuire. He then appointed delegates to the Mississippi State Convention. The Executive Committee reported that the Association agreed to meet again at Bethel in 2020 with a start time of 10:00 am; $65 in monies were collected for the day, to be dispersed as directed by the Executive Committee. End of business session.

    Warren Steel led 519 (WB) in memory of Mary Chrestman. Other leaders: Carolyn Thompson 535; Tom Booth 56b; Chris Ballinger 84; Amber Davis 300; Lisa Geist 540; Drew McGuire (by request) 457. Following announcements, the day of singing was closed by President Drew McGuire leading the closing song on page 46. Earl Ballinger dismissed the convention with prayer.

    Chairman - Henry McGuire
    Secretary - Warren Steel

    Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention

    Antioch Primitive Baptist Church

    August 24-25, 2019

    Saturday, August 24

    The 90th session of the Mississippi State Sacred Harp Singing Convention was called to order by Mark Davis leading 37b. Arlon Gardner offered the opening prayer. Mark Davis led 101b. Mark welcomed everyone to the convention, and thanked Alfred Bailey and Antioch Primitive Baptist Church for hosting the convention. Leaders: Darlene Reynolds 484 (CB), 505 (CB); Arlon Gardner 183, 505; Jane Armstrong 513, 470; Danny Creel 166 (CH), 186 (CH); Dennis Cranford 39t, 328; Kim Vaughn 558 (CB), 528b (CB); Cory Winters 441, 445; Will McGuire 270 (WB), 148 (WB). Mark Davis appointed Lisa Geist and Darlene Reynolds to the Arranging Committee. He appointed Drew McGuire and Henry McGuire to the Business and Credentials Committee.

    Recess.

    Nicholas Thompson brought the class back to order leading 514 (CB) and 464 (CB). Leaders: Wilma Mitchell 480, 569b; Charlie McGuire 461 (CB), 485 (CB); Jamira Jackson 169, 455; Sonya Kirkham 330t (CB), 54t (CB); Warren Steel 327, 195 (CH); Will Gatewood and Nicholas Thompson 168, 205; Arlon Gardner, Sophie Gardner, and Samantha Gardner 347, 454; Lisa Geist 472, 528.

    Lunch.

    Mark Davis brought the class back together leading 78. Leaders: Carole Watts 515 (CB), 546 (CB); Chris Nicholson 293b (CB), 212 (CB); Drew McGuire 475, 422; Ateven Snderson 290, 122; Mark Davis 117 (CH) (by request from the people of Antioch Primitive Baptist Church); Robert Vaughn 38b (CB), 142 (CB); Henry McGuire 509 (WB), 54 (CH); Regina Derstine 193 (CH), 258 (CH); Danny Creel 432b (CH), 546b (CH); Robert Vaughn 547 (CH), 197 (CH). A business meeting was held for the election of officers as follows: President - Mark Davis; Vice President - Drew McGuire; Secretary - Darlene Reynolds; Chaplain - Arlon Gardner. Mark Davis led 236. Henry McGuire led 85 (CH) and 16 (CH) for Esther Mann, and Warren Steel led 8 (CH). Announcements were made. Mark Davis, Henry McGuire, and Drew McGuire led the Drone as the closing song. Robert Vaughn offered the closing prayer.

    Sunday, August 25

    The Sunday Session of the Mississippi State Convention was called to order by Mark Davis leading 313t. He welcomed everyone to the convention. Arlon Gardner opened the service with prayer. Mark Davis appointed Nicholas Thompson and Jane Armstrong to the Memorial Committee. Leaders: Mark Davis 361; Darlene Reynolds, Hugh McGuire, and Henry McGuire 511 (WB) (in memory of Hugh Bill McGuire); Darlene Reynolds 142 (CH); Arlon Gardner 313b, 324; Lisa Geist 269, 137 (CB); Jane Armstrong 105, 318; Nicholas Thompson 110 (CH), 439; Will McGuire 181, 374 (WB); Bentley Rose 282; Bentley Rose and Nicholas Thompson 188 (CH); Gordon Bigelow 191, 38b; Chris Nicholson 264t (CB), 264b (CH).

    Recess.

    Mark Davis brought the class back together by leading 121. Leaders: Jamira Jackson 344, 518 (CB); Charles Hughes 384, 345b; Peth Gardner and Arlon Gardner 500, 30t. The memorial lesson was conducted by Nicholas Thompson and Jane Armstrong. They led 37b for the sick and shut-ins. They then led 544 in memory of the following deceased: Glenda Hopper, Daphne Causey, Lily Hopper, Johnnie Chafin, and Willodean Barton - Alabama; T.J. Funderburk - Arkansas; Mary Ellen Schrock - New York; Darrell Swarens - Indiana; Steve Helwig - Oregon; Edith Owen - Texas. Arlon Gardner closed the memorial lesson with prayer. Leaders: Amber Davis 142, 234; Hugh McGuire 82t, 319.

    Lunch.

    Leaders: Mark Davis 28b; Henry McGuire 196 (WB), 543t (WB); Wilma Mitchell and Esther Mann 204t (CH), 569b; Regina Derstine and Todd Derstine 98 (CB), 138t (CB), 58; Ari Eisenberg 112, 120; Hugh McGuire 40, 147t, 320; Amber Davis 396; Chris Nicholson 347; Nicholas Thompson 168; Lisa Geist 304. The Business and Credentials Committee gave the financial report. The collections and disbursements were itemized and approved. The business meeting was closed. Nicholas Thompson and Charlie McGuire led 216. Announcements were made. Mark Davis, Hugh McGuire, and Henry McGuire led the Drone. The closing prayer was offered by Arlon Gardner.

    Chairman - Mark Davis
    Vice Chairman - John Van Horn
    Secretary - Darlene Reynolds

    Taylor

    Lafayette County, Mississippi

    October 12, 2019

    The thirty-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 songs on page 47t. Drew McGuire led the morning prayer. Leaders: Warren Steel 65, 36b; Drew McGuire 138t, 315, 546; Kim Funderburk 47b, 345t, 45t; Will Gatewood 178, 68b; 39t; Anne Steel 235, 179, 171; Rebecca Over (UK) 395, 30t, 306; Jeff Corbett (AR) 81t, 107, 326.

    Recess.

    Warren Steel reassembled the class leading 89. Other leaders: Mary Amelia Taylor (AL) 144, 284, 546; Henry McGuire 38t, 101b, 220; Arlon Gardner 505, 313b, 28b. The memorial lesson was held in honor of George Corbett, Robin Mathis and Mary Chrestman; Warren Steel led “Hurricane Creek” and 129. Arlon Gardiner offered the memorial prayer.

    Dismissed for lunch.

    Warren Steel called the class together leading song on page 280. Leaders: Logan Green (TN) 230, 224, 425; Jason Smith (AL) 277, 445, 282; Chuck Howell 569b, 373, 127; Amile Wilson 163b; Carol Davis (TN) 340, 452, 380; Beth and Allison Estes 128; Drew McGuire 349; Kim Funderburk 63; Will Gatewood 324; Anne Steel 268; Rebecca Over 74t; Jeff Corbett 236; Mary Amelia Taylor 473; Henry McGuire 157; Arlon Gardner 163t; Logan Green 186; Chuck Howell 225t. Following announcements of future singings Warren Steel led the closing song on page 345b and the class was dismissed with prayer by Mary Amelia Taylor.

    Chairman - Warren Steel
    Secretary - Anne Steel

    Calhoun County Nursing Home

    Calhoun City, Mississippi

    December 7, 2019

    The annual Sacred Harp singing at Calhoun County Nursing Home was called to order on the Saturday before the First Sunday in December at 1:30 by Robert Earl Alexander leading song on page 59. J. E. Simpson led the opening prayer. Other leaders: Robert Earl Alexander 477; John Van Horn 523, 36b; Mark Tew 30t 108b; Anne Steel 217, 192; Warren Steel 152, 203; J. E. Simpson 517 (WB), 494 (WB); Andy Davis 159, 142; Kim Funderburk 273, 186; Linda Funderburk 127, 119. The class then sang 400 and 45t, requested by the residents. Other leaders: Robert Earl Alexamder 294; John Van Horn 155; Mark Tew 72b; Anne Steel 146; J. E. Simpson 519 (WB); Warren Steel 441; Andy Davis 106; Kim Funderburk 198; Linda Funderburk 38b. Following announcements, Robert Earl Alexander led the closing song on page 452, and John Van Horn dismissed the class with prayer.

    Chairman - Robert Earl Alexander
    Secretary - Warren Steel

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