Shirley Smith Hill was recognized on March 30, 2025 at Frankford Plains United Methodist Church for her 80 years of membership. During the March 30th church service and luncheon, Shirley was presented with a plaque and a booklet filled with memories and well wishes.
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi sent a video of congratulations while Pastor Justin had this to say about Shirley. “It is a joy and privilege to be serving as Shirley’s pastor; how often does one get to shepherd a sibling in Christ who has been a church member for 80 years?! One of my favorite things about Shirley, though, is that even with her many years of faithful service, her enthusiasm and passion for Jesus, love for others, humility, and drive to put her faith in action rivals many younger disciples. She sets a wonderful example for her church family.”
In 1945, Shirley became a member at the age of 12, though Shirley’s history began soon after birth when she was brought to church in her mother Olive’s arms. Since her confirmation, Shirley has had the privilege of welcoming 32 pastors to Frankford Plains Church.
The Smith family has a long history with the church. They gifted the church the Octagon Schoolhouse (now offices) and 5.023 acres of land where the Church, Parsonage, Schoolhouse and Fellowship Hall now stand.
As with Shirley’s long history with the church, the history of the Frankford Plains Church goes back to 1710 when a “Log Church” stood in the present-day Frankford Plains Cemetery. This was undoubtedly one of the first churches of any denomination, in Sussex County.
During Shirley’s time at Frankford Plains, she has served in almost every role at the church. Some of the things she has participated at Frankford Plains are: starting the fire that heated the church on Sunday mornings, teaching Sunday School, directing Junior choir, singing in our Choir, serving on most committees even to the present day, initiating Ladies Teas, becoming the ‘soup lady’ to fund the Operation Christmas Child mission, cooking, baking, cleaning, serving at Manna House, and in 2024 she was instrumental in gathering supplies and putting together 1,056 boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
Congratulation to Shirley on her faithful service to God and her church.