THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 2, 1994 TAG: 9409300224
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
Out of love for her church, Christine Evans has created an unusual year-round ministry.
She carefully tills a 60-foot plot in front of Raleigh Heights Baptist Church in South Norfolk and plants it in seasonal flowers. She has been keeping the spot in bloom for four years.
``I just did it on my own; nobody asked me,'' said Evans, who has been gardening since the age of 8. ``I just like to mess with flowers. I keep the ones at the church cleaner than I do the ones at home.
``I'm 69 now, and it does seem to be a little more work all the time. But it's not too bad when you like to do it. I want to do it as long as I can.''
During dry seasons, Evans and her husband, Roland, even transported jugs of water from home to water her plants.
After the first frost, she'll be at the church pulling up petunias and geraniums to make room for pansies.
According to her pastor, Evans' contributions to the church go beyond planting and weeding.
``Christine Evans works with the flower committee to ensure that we have flowers in the sanctuary each Sunday,'' the Rev. Penny Wilson said. ``She sings with the Hallelujah Singers each month. And she keeps the church looking beautiful on the outside with her flowers and on the inside with her cheerful spirit and willingness to help others.''
Full name: Christine M. Evans
Birthdate: Aug. 31, 1925
Grew up: In Bertie County, N.C.
Childhood memories: ``I didn't have a very happy childhood. My mother raised seven children. We rented land and moved from farm to farm.''
Spouse: Roland
Children: David E., Jerry and Joan Bunch
Hobbies: ``My husband and I have a trailer on the Chowan River. We go down there a lot during the summer and go fishing. I like bicycle riding and have a three-wheel bike. People laugh at me.''
Last book read: ``I love to read. I'm reading one now by Billy Graham, `Strength for Daily Living.' ''
Favorite song: ``Amazing Grace''
Favorite movie: ``I go very seldom.''
Can't resist: ``Going out to eat.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``Walk closer to the Lord.''
Greatest accomplishment: ``I've raised three children. And my husband and I have been married for going on 52 years.''
Favorite TV program: ``The Young and the Restless''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: The new Golden Corral
Biggest problem facing Chesapeake: ``I'm hearing more and more about crime.''
Favorite way to spend a day: ``I love Sundays. I love to go to church. I leave home at 9 a.m., then pick up Bernice Spann and Louise Garrison, and we go to choir practice. The first Sunday of the month I work in the nursery. I go to Bible study on Tuesday. I love to go out to eat and to read.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Christine Evans enjoys tending a 60-foot flower plot in front of
Raleigh Heights Baptist Church in South Norfolk.
by CNB