Smith Corners church honors musician’s service

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Neighbors | Submitted.Vada Reel of Austintown will be honored by the congregation of Smith Corners United Methodist Church on Sept. 16 at 10:45 a.m. as part of the local church's celebration of 150 years of ministry. Reel has been a musician for the church for the past 75 years.

Austintown’s Vada Reel will be honored by the congregation of Smith Corners United Methodist Church as musician for the past 75 years. This is part of the local church’s celebration of 150 years of ministry.

The special recognition will take place on Sept. 16 at 10:45 a.m. at the church to honor Reel and her long service as musician for half the history of this church. The public is welcome to attend.

Reel will be 91 years old in November and is still at the keyboard of her church. She and her late husband, Jack, were strongly involved in the growth and building of the current church building, just across the corner from the original structure. Her family has held positions of trustee, choir members, Sunday school teachers, financial chairmen, church council chairmen, and other volunteer posts.

Reel has been active in the United Methodist Women group for more than 60 years and was a Sunday school teacher for many years. She maintains involvement with Dublin Grange and previously was active in OSU Extension and Farm Bureau. Many junior high and high school musicians requested her as piano accompanist over the years.

Reel began her long tenure in 1936, at age 15, as pianist in the old brick building that served as the church from 1862-1962. Her dedicated service spanned the birth of her three sons, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Presently, Reel’s granddaughter, Amy Nash, shares the musical duties, with one playing the piano and the other playing the organ. She has performed for 131 weddings, 25 funerals and given piano lessons to 55 children, including her own grandchildren. She has accompanied children’s, youth and adult choirs for many years.