THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 9, 1995 TAG: 9506070184
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: THUMBS UP
SOURCE: BY JANELLE LA BOUVE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
For more than four decades, members of Rehoboth A.M.E. Church have been singing hymns to the accompaniment of Anna W. Hill's organ music.
On Sunday, they sang Hill's praises.
The Deep Creek congregation, her former co-workers from Chesapeake Public Schools, former students and family members gathered for a service in recognition of her 46 years of service.
Geraline Cox, speech pathologist at Churchland Primary School, summed up Hill's contribution to the community this way:
``C - Call on her, and she'll do her very best
``O - The open-door policy she still maintains
``M - The monetary gifts which she willingly shares with those in need
``M - Is for serving as a mediator in community or church conflicts
``U - Untiring work in the community
``N - Never saying no
``I - For the intellect which she provides in community concerns
``T - Time given, time shared, over and over again
``Y - To quote her, `Yes, I'll do the best I can.' ''
``I've known her almost 45 years,'' Cox said. ``She has served this community well and continues to do so, first as an educator and now in her retirement.''
Cox cited Hill's willingness to open her home to those who could not pay their rent, her efforts to obtain lighting at the athletic field at Deep Creek Central School and her encouragement of voter registration.
When her music students reached their 18th birthdays, Hill always reminded them to register to vote, Cox said.
``She has made a tremendous contribution to the church,'' said her pastor, the Rev. Willie L. White Sr. ``In addition to playing the organ for 46 years, she was a trustee. She taught Sunday school, served 10 years on the kitchen committee, spearheaded church fund-raisers, served as Women's Day president and was a member of the committee that provides food and clothing in the church and the community.
``She was one of the founders and organizers of the tutorial program, which meets once a week to assist children who have difficulties in school,'' White said. ``They also provide a telephone service so children can call at night for help.
``Anything you ask her to do, she is willing and ready to do it. In spite of all of her illness, she pushes on. One of her favorite quotes is, `I'm going to give out before I give up.' ''
``There is nothing more important to say than `Thank you' when someone has made a mark in the community as a teacher and a musician,'' said Dr. Hugo A. Owens Sr., former vice mayor of Chesapeake, who has known Hill since the 1940s. ``The most valuable professions are those which lead a child in the way of knowledge. Almost everyone in authority is who they are because of their teachers. I am indebted to her, and Chesapeake is indebted to her.''
Initially, her job as church music director was unpaid. After a time, her earnings totaled $5 a week. By the 1960s, the pay had increased to $10. But money was never the most important thing to Hill.
``I'm standing here today because I gave all of my best to the Master,'' she said at the conclusion of Sunday's ceremony.
In 1945, she was asked to act as music director while the church sought a permanent person for the office.
``As far as I know, that other organist was never found,'' the 69-year-old Hill said. ``I played under eight pastors and sent in three letters of resignation. The first one was never read. It was thrown in the trash. In my second letter, I said I'd stay until the church found someone else. There was no response to that letter nor to the third. So I stayed and stayed.''
After graduating from Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., Hill got a job teaching at a one-room schoolhouse with 13 children in seven grade levels.
``I was teacher, janitor and nurse,'' she recalled. ``It frightened me to death. For heat, there was a big, pot-bellied stove. The school was way off the main road, and I had to walk about a half-mile.''
After coming to Chesapeake, Hill taught school at Bells Mill Elementary, Central Elementary, Oscar F. Smith High and Deep Creek Junior High schools before retiring in 1987.
``I love children,'' she said. ``Being around them is a joy. It seems funny now living in the community where I taught so long. People come up to me and tell me when and where I taught them. It makes me feel good to know that I crossed so many paths and did something to help so many students.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by JANELLE LaBOUVE
Anna W. Hill was honored for 46 years of community service.
by CNB