By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

Landmarks of Dekalb will host a sacred harp singing on Sunday Oct. 11 at Council Bluff School at 2 p.m.

The event features Rodney Ivey and other sacred harp singers from the area. Tentative plans are to record the singing for a possible CD. The singing is free to the public.

The Council Bluff School was erected in 1903 near the top of Sand Mountain on the Valley Head Road. The land was donated by several prominent men in the community.

In 1924 Council Bluff joined with Stamp, Central and Hawkins Chapel to form a new school at High Point. The county board minutes of 1935 show that a delegation from Council Bluff met with the county board to rescind their decision and remain the way they were, but the school board elected to have the school remain with High Point. After the consolidation, Council Bluff School was used for sacred harp singings and school reunions.

The property was later deeded to Landmarks for restoration. Council Bluff School is the last one-room school houses still standing in Dekalb County and is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.

Council Bluff School is on a small, unmarked road off CR 120 on the top of Sand Mountain. Directions: From Fort Payne, go north on I 59 to Hwy. 117 exit (Exit 231) and turn left onto Hwy. 117.  Go approximately 1/2 mile to CR 120 (first CR on the left) and turn left.  Stay on CR 120 for approximately 1.6 miles. Turn left on small, unmarked road just before yellow sign warning of sharp curve ahead. There is a brown Council Bluff School sign at the turn – the school is down this road on the right.