A Century of Service

by Phillip R. Martin                                                                                                                                                                   Vol. X, No. 8, Sep/Oct 1997

    Minister of Music, Calvary BC, Portsmouth

Charlie and Martha Adams have collectively given a "Century of Service" in the Adult Choir at Calvary Baptist Church in Portsmouth. Charlie has given a total of 44 years with a few years off during the time when their children were young and needed a parent to sit with them in church. Martha has served for 56 consecutive years. Together they account for a hundred years singing in the same choir. They will be retiring from the choir at the age of 72, but were given honorary emeritus membership in the choir at the close of the choir year August 3, 1997.

Their years of service will not end with their retirement because they are part of three generations of the Adams family involved in music ministry at Calvary. Their daughter, granddaughters, and grandson are all part of the choir programs at the church, and they will help continue this ministry of service. The involvement of Charlie and Martha at Calvary dates back to the original Scottsville Baptist Church, established in 1889 which was later changed to Calvary Baptist Church.

In addition to their service in the choir, Charlie and Martha have served the church in many capacities. They both have been strong supporters of the Sunday School and other ministries of the Church. Charlie currently teaches a men's class, and Martha teaches four and five year olds. Charlie has been a deacon since he was 24 years old. This active involvement will continue, but they felt it was time to retire from the choir. With such long and dedicated service the choir honored them as part of the year end banquet on August 2, 1997 and will place a plaque in the choir room as a reminder of their faithfulness for years to come.