BHTNH Board President Rev. Thompson sings to hundreds of people who filled Middle Street Baptist Church in Portsmouth for the homegoing celebration for Rev. Dr. Arthur Hilson.
Community Celebrates Life of Rev. Hilson.
By Karen Dandurant, SeacoastOnline.com article posted Jan 26, 2019.
PORTSMOUTH — A celebration of the life of Rev. Dr. Arthur Lee Hilson Saturday at the Middle Street Baptist Church drew hundreds of people, filling the church and all available standing room.
The crowd was a testament to the many lives Hilson touched in his 82 years. He died Jan. 19, after a battle with cancer.
Anyone who ever had a conversation with the affable Hilson knew his famous phrase. When asked how he was doing, he inevitably replied he was “too blessed to complain,” and those words wove in and out of almost all of the words people said about him on Saturday.
The celebration was a joyful look at the ways Hilson, in his quiet, unassuming manner, touched and guided those he came into contact with. The day was filled with song and a strong current of faith. People talked about how he had transitioned to the next step, being now with God. There were a few tears, but mostly there were smiles, music and shared stories.
“I appreciate each and every one of you for coming out here today to honor this man that God gave me,” Hilson’s wife Florine said. “It’s been a journey. There have been good days and bad days but I won’t complain.”
