Attending a deacon ordination in Muscoda Baptist Church near Bessemer, Alabama I watched a senior adult lady enter the auditorium. Dressed in an evening gown she was stunning and I thought overdressed but it was a sacred moment for the church.
She
was singing for the ordination. As she slowly approached the pulpit I could
tell she was older than I thought. Curiosity flooded my mind. I was baffled wondering
how this elderly lady would perform.
When
she started her performance I sat in total shock at how wonderful this nice
lady could sing. She sounded like country music legends Loretta Lynn and Patsy
Cline. The voices of most people her would be crackled and not vibrant or
clear. This lady was amazingly serenading as an angel. Her smile, her hair, and
gown glowed mesmerizing the audience.
I
left the service proud of the man ordinated He was a friend and former church
member of mine. I left that night astonished at the voice and vitality of a
senior adult lady. Most people her age cease to serve. She was a wonderful
testimony how the LORD uses His people.
Several
years passed and I was invited to speak at a ladies' luncheon. I had worker
years earlier with some of the women and they heard that I was preaching and
they wanted me to encourage their group. It was a good reunion.
One
of the women had invited a friend, Stella Hill, to sing. The lady began to sing,
and I realized that I had heard her before. When she and I finished the program
I said, “I think we have met before. Did I heard you sing at a deacon
ordination at Muscoda Baptist Church in Bessemer several years ago?” She said, “One
in the same.” We reminisced for a while. She was wonderful. I asked for her telephone
number.
Chilton
Baptist Association in Clanton, Alabama hosts a Senior Adult Reunion each year.
My sister-in-law Kim was the director of the Associational Senior Adults. Since
I was serving in another association, she invited me to return home to preach
for the annual event. I asked her who she had invited to do the special music. Still
in the planning stage, she said she hadn’t secured anyone. I coerced her to invite
Stella. I told Kim she would be perfect for the senior adults. Kim did.
I
will never forget the morning of the Senior Adult event. It was good to be back
home, and the buzz of excitement was electric. When Stella arrived Kim said, “Bobby
Hopper what you got me into?” I smiled and said, “Just wait.”
Kim
did a magnificent job with the event. A church full of three hundred plus
senior adults singing the old gospel favorites was a blessing. As I write I
have fond memories of that day and I am sadden that most in attendance that day
are now with the Lord.
When
it came time for the special music, Kim had me introduce Stella. I smiled,
almost giggling, because I could sense the anxiety of Kim and see the uncertainty
of the crowd as Stella stood beside me. I stepped aside and let the angel from
Muscoda sing.
The
look of unbelief spread through the crowd like an old brush arbor revival as
Stella sang. When she sang How Great Thou Art she received a standing
ovation. Preaching after her rendition was a joy and honor. Going to the dinner
senior adults showered Stella with praise and hugs. Kim looked and me and said,
“You were right Stella was amazing.”
While
we were eating, a young choir director stopped to share with Stella how
beautifully she sang How Great Thou Art. He commented that he had never
heard the second verse she sang. Stella said, “I forgot the verse and made it
up as I sang.” Everyone laughed. She was amazing.
When
I was called to be Director of Missions for Bethel Baptist Association in
Linden, Alabama I wanted to have Stella come sing at the Bethel Senior Adult
banquet. I called her and she was wonderful as always. She was not able to help
me, but she did sing for me and associational secretary Pam Gibbs viva the
telephone. That would be the last time we would talk. Stella passed away March
7, 2020, at age 94. I thank God for placing Stella in my life.
Marlon
Vines writes in her obituary, “What a wonderful Angel that is now singing in
Heaven's Choir. I wonder if she's telling Gabriel what key to play it in? She
brought much JOY into our lives with her beautiful singing & quick wit.”
I agree!
In
the world today there are those that cannot wait for the older generation to be
gone. There is wisdom of the aged if younger generations will listen.
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; Psalm 92:14 KJV
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