Brooks Singing Society, 1890-1942
By Leila B. Stone LaGroneSubmitted to John Woods
Taken in 1914 or 1915
1st row: Ada Williams, Monnie Akins, Naomi Stone, Ellie Woods, Linnie Belew and Jewel Allen
2nd row: Essie Waldrop, Maude Sanders, Bessie Williams, Eddie Langley, Annie Gentry, Kate Brown and Betty Brown
3rd row: Sam Gentry, Neal Woods, Grover Belew, Henry Gentry, O. R. Hewitt (teacher), Add Gentry, Ben Gentry, Ernest Gentry, and Roy Gentry.
Fourth Sunday, October, 1898
adjourned with prayer by Bro. J. W. Stone.
Fourth Sunday, November, 1898
There was no singing on this fourth Sunday in November on account of the unfavorable weather and the marriage of J. W. Stone and Mrs. F. M. Waldrop. (J. A. Williams, Sec.)
Brooks Chapel Singing Society,
Fourth Sunday in June, 1928, Regular Session.
The second music lesson was a Memorial lesson for Bro.J. W. Stone, led, by J. E. Jones, followed by J. E. Gentry J. D. Jones, closed by G. W. Wyatt.
RESOLUTION OF RESPECT for Bro. Stone:
"To the president and members of the Brooks Chapel Society,- We, your committee on Obituaries, beg leave to submit the following report."We find that of recent date that God in his infinite wisdom has seen fit to take from our midst our beloved leader, friend, and Brother, J. W. Stone. In his death, this Society has lost one of its brightest monuments, and the cause of Music, one of its most sincere and efficient friends. We desire to extend to his relatives and friends our sympathy and condolence and commend them to God who doeth all things well. Our hearts are made sad by the passing of Bro. Stone, and his place will be hard to fill, but we have the sweet assurance that all those who sing here in the Spirit and Understanding will sing in Eternity the song of Moses and the Lamb.
"We are made sad when the grim reaper enters our ranks and takes from our midst one who had spent his life in the cause of Music , but we realize the fact that in the Great After awhile all of God's Saints will sing His praise through-out ages to come.
"Respectfully submitted,
J. A. Williams, H. C. Jones, C. A. Brooks, Committee."
(Note from following month) The President J. D. Jones called the July meeting to order with prayer by Grover Belew and first Music lesson was by Belew.
Additional Information from Leila B. LaGrone:
The Secretary's book of Minutes for "Brooks Singing Society" has been saved by the Bob Gentry Family. Lucille Gentry McMillan sent the book (on loan) to our Genealogical Library for safe-keeping. Her father had been the last secretary of the organization which ceased to exist in 1942. This book of minutes covers the years 1896 to 1942, a casualty of World War II. It is a delight as a memory recaller.
The Society met each fourth Sunday afternoon each month to sing and fellowship, using Sacred Harp music. Harmony was created by voices in four parts, with no accompaning instrument. In summer months a "Singing School" was held for two weeks to train and recruit young members. I, like all my friends, attended and studied the basic rudiments of music.
This was a wonderful beginning in music education for the community young people.
John W. and Amelia (Babe) Stone
Taken November 1898, their wedding day
Ed Gentry was the husband of Effie Beatrice (Woods) Gentry and the father of Travis (Bud), Farris (Bill), Bonnie, Fay, and Winnie Gentry.
Taken in the Brooks Community