“Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matt 20:27).
On March 30th, 1996, a dearly loved and highly esteemed elder of the Saugus, MA, assembly was called home to glory. To hundreds of believers, missionaries and preachers all over the world, the name Fred Hill is synonymous with hospitality, kindness and warm Christian love. Together with his wife Theresa, he turned their modest home at 26 Sheafe Street into a veritable inn for weary saints. Surpassing the professional courtesy of the well-known motel chain, they did not merely “leave the light on” but stayed up to await the arrival of their company or provided taxi services to and from Logan airport or South station for countless saints.
An unselfish man who seemed to live by the rule of doing all the good he could as long as possible, he was loved for his compassionate care and his interest in all the saints. No demands upon his time seemed too inconvenient, nor task too onerous if he could be a help to others. Much of the warmth and hospitality for which the East Boston (latterly Saugus) assembly is known comes from the example set by our brother, his wife, and many others of their generation.
He was a true shepherd who always had time for any saint, no matter how young or inexperienced. His passing has left a vacancy in the assembly in Saugus and in the work of God through out the world.
Tireless in his work in connection with the Words in Season magazine, his meticulous attention to detail in composing the news and obituaries was legendary. To others falls the regrettable task of writing about his home-call. But all who knew him, lovingly recall his sterling character and gracious spirit. If heaven’s yardstick for measuring greatness is the measure in which a believer served others, then Fred Hill was indeed a great man.
