THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 5, 1995 TAG: 9503030162
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
``I put the best of myself into whatever I do,'' said Margaret Todd. ``That's not bragging. That's a fact.''
For 55 years, Todd's best has included teaching Sunday School at Bethel Assembly of God.
``Yesterday's lesson was from the Book of Acts about Pentecostal worship,'' she said. ``If we don't obey that word of God, there's no way we can make it. You have to be born again. That not playing. That's a complete life.''
``If you tried to paint a picture of faithfulness you would see Margaret Todd,'' said her pastor, the Rev. Kenneth Cates, who paid tribute to her recently in recognition of her 95th birthday. ``She's been a bulwark and a pillar of this church. She has held faithfulness to the church and as a school teacher as high priorities.''
She is very aware of the contrasts between present-day Christians and those of earlier times.
``I think people spend less time in prayer now,'' she said. ``We used to pray all night long. There's too much love of material things and so much immorality.
``Christians need to be more loving, and we need to be more giving,'' she said. ``The source of everything we need is that Bible. We can't get away from it. Paul said that `The word of God is a two-edged sword.' It cuts deep.
``I guess you could say I'm a Christian worker,'' she said. ``I've been a busy lady.''
From childhood, Todd recalls the dirt roads in Deep Creek and students riding to the two-room school building on Galberry Road and George Washington Highway in a blue, horse-drawn wagon. And she remembers discipline.
``. . . Children weren't bold like children are today,'' she said. ``If you misbehaved, you'd get a spanking.''
In 1918 she realized her childhood dream to become a school teacher. Since married women were not allowed to teach, marriage in 1921 brought an abrupt end to her career. By 1950, she was back in the classroom. She taught for 20 years, substituted another 20, then retired in 1988.
Todd does not let age slow her down. She recently had her driver's license renewed for another five years.
Full name: Margaret Todd
Grew up: ``In a little place called Yadkin. It's between Boyer's Hill and Deep Creek.''
Children: Margaret Floyd and William D. Todd III, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Childhood memories: ``Playing school. I was always the teacher. Having scarlet fever when I was 6 years old.''
Hobbies: ``Studying the Bible. I don't get up early. I don't do much housework. I don't watch TV movies or talk shows. But I like game shows like `Jeopardy.' That brings back things I learned in school.''
Favorite song: `` `The Old Rugged Cross' is so precious.''
Can't resist: Chocolate candy and ice cream.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I don't like myself. There could be a lot of improvement. I'd like to be a better Christian and help other people more.''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: ``Chick-Fil-A. I'm not a big eater.''
Favorite way to spend a day: ``I spend my days praying and talking on the phone.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Margaret Todd has been teaching at Bethel Assembly of God for 55
years.
by CNB