A photo of our group was included in an article about Shape Note 

Singing in Early American Life magazine.  Linda says,  “I was very

pleased with the spread they gave us - 1/2 page photo, and we 

were the ONLY people photo in the piece.  You'll like the article, 

which centers more on New England than the south.  The only other

photos are of music sheets and books.”  If you have not seen the 

article ask Linda or Duane to be sure to bring the magazine to a 

meeting. 

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We received thanks and a check for $50 for singing at the Ridge church for their 100th anniversary.

Linda and I (Duane) think we should use it toward the purchase of a box of Sacred Harps, so that we have a few 

loaners when somebody comes, and also have them available for new members to purchase.  A new box of 6 runs a little over $100. 

Please voice your opinion  - either Yea or Nay.

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A Progress Report....

In January 2007 Linda and Joan attended a two day sing at Pennsylvania Convention, 

Christiana Freight Railroad Station, Christiana, PA.  Duane was able to get there 

for the Sunday portion... and the great food!

Since April 2007   we have added 3 new active "members" ‑ Kecia Bal, Dave Hurst, Sarah Stahl

Present roster of 15..(12 active) ..with 2 or 3 prospects.   9 singers live South 

of Somerset, 3 are from Somerset/Freidens, the rest from greater distances. Mostly 

inactive are: Retha Thomas, Shirley Bodes, Alisa Barnhart

Prospective singers:

Sandy Millen 395‑5332  skm@qcol.net (Dennis)  8004 Kingwood Rd  Confluence, PA 15424

"Little Andrew”  - and a Fayette county friend of Miss. Shaffer. 

Songs: In April 2007  We were practicing from a list of 13 songs.  

Now, in Dec 2007, we have 22 songs on the list above.  Most we do well; 

a couple are new to us.  We have an opening and closing song; Holy Manna & 

The Parting Hand and we have two Christmas Songs; Star In The East & Shining Star.

Since forming, our shape note singers have sung in public several times at Mt. 
Union Church, twice at a Hymn Sing at Casselman Methodist, TWICE at St. Paul's 
(Ridge), Rockwood Alliance; and on July 29 - 10:15 we met at Mt. Union to sing 
for a service that was part of the Younkin family reunion Sunday service.
In October, a few of our group traveled to Lancaster area for a sing. It was 
held at the Sadsbury Friends Meeting House, near Christiana, and was in memory 
of the Amish children killed at their school last year.  It was attended by 
Mennonites, Amish, Quakers, and "english" ‑ about equal amounts.  We had a 
wonderful day of singing, in a very historic 1747 Quaker Meeting House. The 
singing was a TWO book sing ‑ our red Sacred Harp, and the blue, Cooper 
revision.  Many of the songs are the same, as they are both Sacred Harp. (Linda)
Sarah Stahl discovered there was a Shape Note group in Frostburg.  We may hear more of them.
 
We do receive compliments.  I think we do sing well.  We are now much more comfortable with 
the music, and we continue to improve.   If you can’t make a practice sing.. please review 
the songs at home… use the CD’s. 
Since forming, we have met for practice sings at Mt. Union, Kingwood COG, and at both Clark 
Brocht’s and Linda Marker’s homes.
Newsletter ideas or articles should be given to Duane  
Phone/FAX  814-926-3709      dhoward@shol.com