Old Pine Grove Church
Henderson, Rusk County, Texas
Saturday, April 22, 2017 and Sunday, April 23, 2017
Saturday, April 22
The 9th annual Rusk County Singing met Saturday before the fourth Sunday in April at Old Pine Grove Church near Henderson, Texas. The tune book for Saturday was The Christian Harmony, 2010 edition.
With the absence of the chairman, the vice chair, Chris Nicholson, called the class to order leading 338t. Gaylon Powell offered the opening prayer.
Chris Nicholson then called the class into a business session and the following officers were elected: Chairman—Chris Nicholson; Vice Chairman—John Berendzen; Secretary—Gaylon Powell.
Leaders: Chris Nicholson 67b; John Berendzen 142, 143; Gaylon Powell 155, 332; Robert Vaughn 393t, 394; Elizabeth Stoddard 258, 79; Kristie Powell 336t, 548; Eva Striebeck 61t, 544.
RECESS
Chris Nicholson called the class back together leading 187.
Leaders: Henry McGuire 76b, 131; Tammy Powell 421b, 64; Charles Whitmer 515, 246; John Berendzen 105b, 261t; Gaylon Powell 133, 206; Robert Vaughn 189, 204t; Natalie Fletcher 188, 78b. Dismissed for lunch with Elder Robert Vaughn asking the blessing.
LUNCH
Chris Nicholson called the class back leading 167t, 167b.
Leaders: Elizabeth Stoddard 572, 339; Kristie Powell 41t, 105t; Eva Striebeck 354, 51; Henry McGuire 432b, 203; Tammy Powell 322, 253; Charles Whitmer 498, 507t; Natalie Fletcher 117, 137.
RECESS
Chris Nicholson called the class back together leading 490.
Leaders: Gloria Berendzen 157; John Berendzen 303; Gaylon Powell 74; Robert Vaughn 77; Elizabeth Stoddard 484; Kristie Powell 138; Eva Striebeck 50; Henry McGuire 54; Charles Whitmer 346; John Berendzen 111b; Elizabeth Stoddard 313; Eva Striebeck 546b; Henry McGuire 493t. The chairman appointed Robert Vaughn and Elizabeth Stoddard to serve on the memorial committee. He then led 549t for the closing song. The closing prayer was offered by Robert Vaughn.
Sunday, April 23
The Sunday session of the convention was held in conjunction with the Pine Grove Cemetery Homecoming. The tune book for Sunday was The B. F. White Sacred Harp (Cooper Book), 2012 Revision. Chris Nicholson called the class to order leading 59b. Elder Robert Vaughn led the opening prayer.
Leaders: Chris Nicholson 264t; John Berendzen 264b, 422b; Gaylon Powell 53, 142; Kim Vaughn 164, 558; David Rousseau 127, 179; Will McGuire 422t, 410; Charity Vaughn 459, 212; Elizabeth Stoddard 54t, 138t; Lisa Matt 268t, 38t; Charles Whitmer 587, 218; Eva Striebeck 133, 449.
RECESS
Chris Nicholson called the class back together leading 323b. Leaders: Robert Vaughn 176b, 95t; Henry McGuire 200, 140; Kristie Powell 210, 300; Sherry Rousseau 282, 47b.
Memorial Lesson: Elizabeth Stoddard made a few remarks and read the names of the sick and shut-ins: Curtis and Edith Owen, Myrl Jones, Azalea Barnett, Crystal Meadows, Concetta Branson, Dale Redmon, Marion Grant, Karen Rollins, Rick Foreman, Jane Goforth, Judy Whitting, Doug Webb, and Michael Webb. She led 444t in their honor. Robert Vaughn made a few comments and read the names of the deceased: Johnny and Delores Lee, Ruth Redmon, Gravis Ballinger, Toney and Lavoy Smith, Earlis McGraw, B. M. Smith, Geri Behrendt, and John and Lorraine Bayer - Sacred Harp singers and supporters; Mary Twomey - Burials in the Pine Grove Cemetery. He led 290 in their memory. The memorial lesson closed with prayer by Gaylon Powell.
Leaders: Tammy Powell 553, 95b; John Berendzen 486.
Dismissed for lunch, prayer was offered at the dinner tables.
LUNCH
Chris Nicholson called the class back together leading 32t, 40. Leaders: Gaylon Powell 532; David Rousseau 507b; Elizabeth Stoddard 482; Lisa Matt 463; Charles Whitmer 546; Eva Striebeck 559; Will McGuire 544; Robert Vaughn 552; Kristie Powell and Gloria Berendzen 45t, 73b; Henry McGuire 582; Tammy Powell 478; John Berendzen 522; Gaylon Powell 543; David Rousseau 430; Elizabeth Stoddard 423; Lisa Matt 461; Charles Whitmer 393; Eva Striebeck 273; Robert Vaughn 332; Kristie Powell and Gloria Berendzen 63; Henry McGuire 567, 563. After announcements, Chris Nicholson led 62 for the closing song. The convention closed with prayer by Robert Vaughn.
Chairman—Chris Nicholson; Vice Chairman—John Berendzen; Secretary—Gaylon Powell.
