Singing at Heflin's Grove, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/hgsinging.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= December 2001 Singing at Heflin’s Grove ---------------------------- Cambridge, Ala., July 28. On last Sunday [25 Jul 1897] the surrounding community met at 9 o’clock at Heflin’s Grove and spent the day in singing. The house was called to order at 9:15 by S. N. STEVENS, and prayer offered by J. H. DENNIS. On motion, J. H. DENNIS was elected president; Prof J. F. BELL secretary; and an arranging committee was appointed for the day consisting of J. F. BELL, Humphrey COOPER and R. M. J. WRIGHT. Music one hour in Sacred Harp, conducted by S. N. STEVENS, J. F. BELL and J. H. DENNIS, 20 minutes each. Intermission 10 minutes, after which the congregation promptly reassembled in the house for preaching and listening to an interesting sermon by Rev. James MITCHELL, from the text, “Nineva repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold a greater than Jonah is here;” which was marked with close attention and we hope found its way to the hearts of the people. At the conclusion of services we had a respite of one hour, which all seemed to enjoy to the fullest extent, as the good people around Heflin’s Grove had prepared a bounty of good edibles which, had the president been present, he would have enjoyed to the utmost. At 2 o’clock the class was promptly called together by the president and had a lesson of music in the Class Choir one hour, conducted by J. F. BELL, Z. T. NORRED and P. H. DENNIS, 20 minutes each. Intermission 10 minutes, after which the class reassembled and a lesson of 40 minutes in the Sacred Harp was conducted by S. N. STEVENS and J. H. DENNIS, 20 minutes each, closing with the good song in the Sacred Harp, “Come on, my fellow-pilgrims, we are hastening on.” J. F. BELL, Sec’y [From The Randolph Toiler (Wedowee, Randolph County, Alabama), 30 Jul 1897, p.3] ---------------------------- “Tongue in cheek” comment on the above noted singing was printed the following week. While complete understanding of the parody is lost across the span of a century, the general sense of social enjoyment and camaraderie that group singings provided for isolated rural communities rings clear. ---------------------------- Cambridge Cullings ---------------------------- Cambridge, Ala., Aug. 4. Just a few days ago, Bro. J. H. D. [DENNIS] was elected President of the singing at Heflin’s Grove. On the morning of the 25th day of July, 1897, the President and a part of his cabinet officers left the White House for the singing at Heflin’s Grove. The distinguished party was conveyed down the narrow gauge spring path to the wharf, where the yacht Susan Jane was in readiness to take the President and party across the waters. It being a beautiful day and the waters smoothe [sic], it did not take the Susan Jane but a short time to cross the water. After the east side of the waters were reached, the distinguished party was carried over the narrow gauge East Line through Mr. Cline’s pasture field. There being a very steep grade to pull, the Chief Magistrate was almost exhausted when reaching the top of the grade, but nevertheless on they pulled. On account of the great mass of people who had gathered to meet the party, the President had to side track for some time before being able to take the main line. J. H. [DENNIS] is elected President from A. J. D.[?] He is gaining. Sec. B. [J. F. BELL] may brag, but we will raise a Cambridge flag and Z. T. [NORRED] will do the singing. [Signed] A Friend to the President [From The Randolph Toiler (Wedowee, Randolph County, Alabama), 6 Aug 1897, p.3] ---------------------------- Heflin’s Grove was located near Cambridge, which was located along the banks of the Little Tallapoosa River north of Wedowee, Randolph Co., Alabama. The “yacht” Susan Jane was possibly a ferry boat used to cross the Little Tallapoosa. There remains today a church and community called “Caver’s Grove” in this same general vicinity; perhaps there is a connection. ------- Reverend James Harvey DENNIS, 13 Jul 1838--5 Aug 1907, Interred Union Baptist Church Cemetery, Randolph Co., Alabama.