The 2nd Annual Swannanoa Gathering Shape Note Singing

Warren Wilson College
Swannanoa, Buncombe County, North Carolina
Saturday, July 26, 2008

The 2nd annual Swannanoa Gathering Shape Note Singing was held at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Books used were The Christian Harmony (‘Carolina book’, 1873 facsimile, 1994 reprint), The Sacred Harp, 1991 edition, and The Southern Harmony, 1854 facsimile, 1987 UofK reprint.

Jane Spencer called the singing to order at 10:00, welcoming all present. Jane Spencer opened with 61t, North Carolina and Ron Pen led in prayer.

The first session was from The Christian Harmony (‘Carolina book’, 1994 reprint). Leaders: 103b, Fish Pond - Chris Wilhelm
268, Come Ye to the Waters - Robert Kelley
153, Columbus - Don Wiley
215t, In That Morning - Caroline Parsons
361, Solemn Thought - Michael Spencer
51, Lonsdale - Diane Eskenasy
26b, Ninety-Third - Julianne Wiley
206b, Supplication - Mary Baumeister
367, David's Lamentation - Tina Becker
204t, Prayer Meeting - Frank DeBolt
54t, Little Marlborough - June Jolley
255t, Watchman - Martha Sullivan
133, Juniata - John Plunkett
381A, Not Made with Hands - Carl Blozan
248b, Union - Dan Huger.

Recess

Jane Spencer brought the group back with 67b, Dundee
236b, Complainer - Stephanie Tingler.

The second session continued with lessons from The Sacred Harp (1991). Leaders: 455, Soar Away - Ron Pen
410t, The Dying Californian - Emily Holzer
128, The Promised Land - David Bowen
540, Nidrah - Shannon Primm
146, Hallelujah - Maggie Foote
90, Look Out - Robert Kelley
282, I'm Going Home - Ron Pen, by request
113, The Prodigal Son - Michael Spencer
430, Arbacoochee - Caroline Parsons.

Lunch

Jane Spencer reconvened the singers, leading 112, The Last Words of Copernicus.
Leaders: 475, A Thankful Heart - Chris Wilhelm
155, Northfield - Diane Eskenasy
569b, Sacred Throne - Ken George
63, Coronation - Julianne Wiley
180, Vermont - Mary Baumeister
452, Martin - Frank DeBolt
461, Shining Star - John Plunkett
159, Wondrous Love - Carl Blozan
29t, Fairfield - Dan Huger
196, Alabama - Stephanie Tingler
421, Sweet Morning - Meghan Cornett
497, Natick - Nathan Morrison.

In a brief business meeting we voted to keep the same officers for the 2009 singing: Chairperson—Jane Spencer; Vice Chairperson—Ron Pen; Secretary—Chris Wilhelm.

Selections from The Southern Harmony (1854) followed: 6t, Marysville - Ron Pen
318, Jordan's Shore - Jane Spencer
173b, Solitude New - Robert Kelley
41, The Spiritual Sailor - Michael Spencer
8t, New Britain - Maggie Foote
260, Star of Columbia - Mary Baumeister
114, Wesley - John Plunkett
134, Imandra - Dan Huger
285t, Arlington - Ron Pen
108, Redemption - Robert Kelley
102, Delight - Michael Spencer
272, Hope - Maggie Foote
63, Land of Pleasure - Mary Baumeister
295, Glasgow - John Plunkett
267t, Ballerma - Dan Huger.

The singing was closed by Ron Pen leading 267 (SH), Parting Friends (First).
Dan Huger led in prayer.

Chairperson—Jane Spencer; Vice Chairperson—Ron Pen; Secretary—Chris Wilhelm; Arranging—Dorothy Lane.