11th Rotunda Singing

Alabama Department of Archives & History
Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama
Saturday, February 2, 2008

The 11th annual session of the Rotunda Singing was held on Saturday before the first Sunday in February at the Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama. Four song books were used: The Sacred Harp, 1991 edition; The Christian Harmony ('Alabama book', Deason-Parris revision, 2002 printing); The Colored Sacred Harp; and The B. F. White Sacred Harp (Cooper Book), 1992 Revision.

The class was called to order by Jim Carnes, who welcomed everyone and introduced Ed Bridges, Director of the Archives, who spoke briefly. Jim Carnes also recognized Joey Brackner, Steve Grauberger, and other members of the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Jim Carnes led 87, Sweet Canaan, and Wayne Morgan offered the opening prayer.

The following officers were elected or appointed to serve: Chairman—Jim Carnes; Vice Chairman—Joey Brackner; Secretary—Judy Caudle.

The first session of singing was from The Sacred Harp, 1991 edition, and Elene Stovall served as arranging committee.
Leaders:
171, Exhortation (First) - Elene Stovall
48t, Devotion - Judy Caudle
52t, Albion - Linda Thomas
565, The Hill of Zion - Beth Branscome
99, Gospel Trumpet - Robert Walker
137, Liberty - Josie Hyde
34t, The Gospel Pool - Judy Chambless
196, Alabama - Gavin Blakeley
403, Heavenly Rest - Corene White and Jim Carnes
66, Jordan (First) - Gary Smith
276, Bridgewater - Margaret Keeton
186, Sherburne - Doug Conn
290, Victoria - Sarah Smith
192, Schenectady - Jonathan Blakeley and Audrie Blakeley.

The second session of singing was from the Christian Harmony, with Ruth Wyers serving as arranging committee.
Leaders:
120, Home in the Sky - Ruth Wyers
61b, Gaines - Tim Cook
248, Twilight is Falling - Billy Thompson
49, Forever with the Lord - Robert Walker
64, Youthful Blessings - John Etheridge
214, Hosanna - Bill Hogan
109, Not Made with Hands - David Daniel
86t, Ortonville - Robert DuPree.

RECESS

The third session of singing was from The B.F. White Sacred Harp, Cooper Edition. The class was called to order by Don Clark leading 497, The Bitter Cup.
Leaders:
516, Tallahassee - Marion Patrick
507b, The Glory of the Cross - Ken Sundberg
55, Shall We Know Each Other There? - Karen Clark
47b, Idumea - Nancy Hogan
500, Sweet By and By - Frank Hataway and Kristi Register
45t, Amazing Grace (New Britain) - Frank Hataway and Kristi Register
47t, Salvation, O the Joyful Sound (Primrose) - Voncil Nall
358, Murillo's Lesson - Adrian Nall
501, That Beautiful Land - Doug Conn
146, Hallelujah - Ercyl Vidrine.

The fourth session of singing was from the Colored Sacred Harp.
Leaders:
4, Prosperity - John Etheridge
31, Come and Go - Jim Carnes
95, Shout and Sing - Ken Sundberg
87, Florida Storm - Gavin Blakeley
19, My Mother's Gone - Sarah Smith
12, I Am Thinking To-Day - Karen Clark.
Wayne Morgan offered the blessing for the noon meal.

LUNCH

The afternoon session was called to order by Jim Carnes, who introduced Al Head, Director of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, who spoke briefly. Singing for this session was from The Sacred Harp, 1991 edition.
Leaders:
436, Morning Sun - Jim Carnes
556, Portland - Jeff Sheppard
384, Panting for Heaven - Ann Webb
35, Saints Bound for Heaven - Robert Walker
440, North Salem - Elene Stovall
182, Newburgh - Judy Caudle
507, Sermon on the Mount - Josie Hyde
430, Arbacoochee - Bufrey Dean
155, Northfield - Beth Branscome
303, Heavenly Land - Robert Chambless.

The second afternoon session was held from the Christian Harmony.
Leaders:
349, Redemption (First) - Ruth Wyers
321, Hear and Save - Nancy Hogan
189, One by One - Karen Clark
143, Farther Along - Steve Grauberger
91, There is a Fountain - Tim Cook
85b, Mercy Seat - Jim Carnes
149, A Good Time Coming - Don Clark
303, The Unclouded Day - Billy Thompson
228, Pass Me Not - Jonathan Blakeley
298, My Shepherd Guides - Ruth Wyers.

The third afternoon session was held from the Colored Sacred Harp.
Leaders:
95, Shout and Sing - Steve Grauberger
   “Give Me Just a Little More Time” - John Etheridge, for Bernice Harvey.

The final session of singing was held from the Cooper Book.
Leaders:
464, Hocutt - John Etheridge
465, Trusting - Frank Hataway
393, I'm Wandering To and Fro - Adrian Nall
567, Child of Thine - Judy Caudle (by request)
511t, Brown - Judy Caudle (by request)
38t, Sessions - Robert Walker
159, Wondrous Love - Alice Sundberg
488, Unity - Tim Cook (by request)
491, Closer Walk With God - Bill Hogan and Nancy Hogan and Ruth Wyers.

Following announcements, Jim Carnes led 176t, Ragan, as the closing song.
Elder Jonathan Blakeley offered the closing prayer, and the class was dismissed.

Chairman—Jim Carnes; Vice Chairman—Joey Brackner; Secretary—Judy Caudle.