Lillian Phyllis Russell, 1914-1992

Lillian P. Russell was born in Richmond, Va., on January 14, 1914. She was the second daughter and one of eight children born to Early W. and Goldie P. Russell, a devout Protestant couple. The family was raised in High Park Methodist Church in Richmond, taking an active part in all its activities. Lillian was the most serious minded of all the children. At a very early age she showed a great interest in Sunday school, the Bible and seeking out the interpretations of the Scriptures. By the time she was 15 years of age, she was teaching adult ladies classes in Sunday school on a regular basis. The next two years she become more involved and dedicated to what God had called her to do. She said later, and I quote. "My calling was an experience of grace, never deserved, but bestowed.”

At the age of 17, she was asked by her pastor, Dr. Walter Deyerle, to speak at the 11 o'clock service on Sunday. She did as he requested and the following week, the Rev. Ralph Yow asked her to preach for a two-week revival at Fairmount Methodist Church. After that her schedule for services was quickly filled. In 1932, she became a full evangelist and spent the next 12 years "on the road." She conducted revivals from Norfolk to Winchester, to Bedford and back to Richmond, also covering many cities in between. During her evangelistic career she carried God's message to literally thousands of people, young and old alike, many of whom were so touched by her message and example that they became interested in furthering their education and entering the ministry.

The Virginia conference met in Lynchburg in 1944 and it was there that Dr. Roscoe Jones, superintendent of the Petersburg District, offered Lillian the opportunity to be appointed pastor of Blanford Methodist Church in Petersburg. Considering it a privilege, she accepted.

At the time of her arrival, the church was in disarray. The average attendance at Sunday morning services was less than 20 people. They had no choir and very little enthusiasm anywhere. Her reputation preceded her, however, and she was warmly received. She said she always believed God had a hand in sending her there. Through her strong faith in her Heavenly Father, she believed if she spread His message to all who would hear her voice, the church would grow; work hard with interest and God would not let them fail. She preached the Gospel as God's messenger, the church worked hard, and it grew. Morning and evening services were well attended, a choir was organized along with Bible studies. Missions and other programs were established. During this period, Lillian was also completing her formal education by correspondence at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., preparatory to and for her ordination.

In 1947, she was ordained a deacon in the Virginia Methodist conference at Greene Memorial Church and in 1949, she was ordained an elder in the conference at Centenary Methodist Church in Richmond. The Rev. Russell has the distinction of being the first woman licensed to preach in the Virginia conference and the first woman to be ordained an elder in the conference.

In 1950, Blanford Methodist Church built a parsonage and continued to grow in faith, enthusiasm and numbers. When the Rev. Russell retired after 35-plus years, Blanford United Methodist Church had 4OO-plus active members on roll, a 20-voice choir and supported their own programs and all conference endeavors. Miss Russell stated many times. "Only by the help and guidance of our Heavenly Father could these things come to pass.”

After a lengthy illness, Miss Russell entered her eternal home on October 15, 1992, and as this dedicated messenger of God stood before her Heavenly Father at the bar of judgment, there could only be one verdict: "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the gates of heaven..."

 

-Brothers and Sisters