Honoring a Chicago icon: Dr. Lou Della Evans Reid’s lasting legacy
Chicago's Dr. Lou Della Evans Reid’s lasting legacy honored
Dr. Lou Della Evans Reid is being honored as a gospel legend in Chicago after more than 70 years of directing church choirs.
CHICAGO - Dr. Lou Della Evans Reid is being honored as a gospel legend in Chicago after more than 70 years of directing church choirs.
Reid, the last surviving co-founder of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church at 45th Street and Princeton Avenue, was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In her own words: "It’s all right."
On Wednesday night, the 94-year-old was honored ahead of her 95th birthday.
What we know:
Reid helped establish Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, which rose to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s under her brother, Pastor Clay Evans.
The church was among the first in Chicago to broadcast weekly nationally syndicated radio and television services.
Reid became Minister of Music after her predecessor refused to work with her because she wasn't college-educated.
"After I retired, he may have had a college degree, but he didn't have common sense," Reid said.
Her token phrase is "live what you're singing about". The choir would travel the world ministering at local churches, concerts and even overseas.
In 1997, their hit song "I've Got A Testimony" won a prestigious Stellar Award.
Its 300-member choir has drawn Christians and music lovers from around the world.
Reid has led choirs and mentored singers and directors in Chicago for more than seven decades. Her work is now archived in the Chicago Public Library system.
Last month, Reid was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She declined surgery and is now in hospice care at home.
"I want you to know and I want everybody else to know that I don't have pain. I'm not sad that I don't have cancer. This is what God, that's His problem. I gave it to Him. But I don't feel no signs of cancer," she said.
"Pancreatic cancer is very aggressive. To have her with us is quite special," said Pastor Reginald Sharp.
Reid was a nurse for nearly 50 years. She is described as a "no-nonsense person," pianist, music composer, prayer warrior, gospel royalty and mother to all.
"I gave it all I have. I wanna lift him (Jesus) up. If you take care of him, he'll take care of you," Reid said.
95th birthday celebration:
On Wednesday night, inside Chicago's Bridgeport Arts Center, there was a pre-birthday celebration including 450 guests along with Rev. Jesse Jackson, other clergy, mentees and long-time choir members.
"She is the living example of what a dedication in Christ looks like," said Congressman Jonathan Jackson.