Club Digest: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2026

SUMTER MUSIC CLUB

The Sumter Music Club, (formerly known as The Woman's Afternoon Music Club), met on Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. at the lovely home of member Patti Croft. The club, which dates back to 1917, awards piano, vocal and instrumental scholarships for Sumter County students through competition each spring. The Clifton Moise instrumental scholarship, the Elizabeth Book vocal scholarship and the Sheldon Timmerman piano scholarship are funded through designated donations.

President Katherine Bledsoe chaired the business meeting for members. Guests attending were Ashley Wilder Stewart and Dr. Herbert Johnson.

Regina Stewart introduced the hymn of the month, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," accompanied by pianist Mark Burns for the membership to learn and sing. She also gave a short talk about the hymn's composer, Martin Luther.

A program was presented by member vocalists Dr. Sonja Sepulveda, Christina Infelise and DeAnna Lyons Lee along with guest vocalist Dr. Johnson, choir director at Sumter High School. Dr. Sepulveda shared background about Moses Hogan, composer, and about the formation and activities of Palmetto Voices, her touring vocal ensemble.

The quartet sang "Hear My Prayer" by Moses Hogan. Dr. Johnson sang "Give Me Jesus", also composed by Moses Hogan.

Hostesses providing refreshments were Patti Croft, Lauren Decker, Betsy Ridgeway, Christina Infelise and Kathy Bledsoe.

- Submitted by Barbara Rearden