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2016 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 392
Celebrating the life of Harold S. Lilly, Sr.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 4, 2016
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2016

 

WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., a child musical prodigy, was born on December 31, 1944, in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward community and was called from labor to reward on February 12, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., was educated in the Richmond public school system, graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School in 1963, and attended Virginia Union University for two years before he was drafted into the United States Army in 1965; during his military service, he served as a chaplain’s assistant and chapel organist at Fort Benning, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, self-educated in music from the age of four and with deep Pentecostal roots at Jerusalem Holy Church, Harold S. Lilly, Sr.’s unique musical gift was nurtured and encouraged by his mother; his musical genius was influenced by such music legends as Perzelia Goodwin, Marie Goodman Hunter, and Robert J. Jones, Jr.; and his ability to flawlessly execute the most difficult of sacred, secular, traditional, and contemporary gospel music on the pipe and Hammond organs was awe-inspiring; and

WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., was employed for many years by Walter D. Moses, Baldwin, and Corley music stores in Richmond to demonstrate and sell the Hammond, Allen, and Rodgers organs; and

WHEREAS, for nearly 60 years, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., enjoyed a musical career as a renowned organist, serving as minister of music for schools, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and numerous churches, among them Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Mosby Memorial Baptist Church, Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Broomfield C.M.E. Church, Sharon Baptist Church, Morning Star Baptist Church, and First African Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, due to his artistry and stunning performances, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., was highly sought as an organist and was the guest organist for the annual Emancipation Proclamation Day Service for the Richmond Baptist Ministers’ Conference since the early 1970s; he served the City Wide Revival for 33 years and was showcased as the principal instrumentalist for the Ebony Fashion Show as well as the Broadway musicals Purlie and Momma, I Want to Sing; and he was the featured guest artist for the 2010 Richmond Folk Festival; and

WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., mentored other musicians and helped pave the way for many aspiring local African American performers, and he sought to enhance his amazing talent by practicing every day, beginning the groundwork for performances with prayer, planning, and preparation; and

WHEREAS, affectionately known as “Professor Lilly,” Harold S. Lilly, Sr., served and dazzled the Richmond metropolitan community with his skills on the organ at worship services, revivals, weddings, organ recitals, and funerals; he was invited frequently to lecture at local and national music workshops; and

WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., was honored with a celebration by the Old Landmark Gospel Association and Musical Friends on October 4, 2014, in Richmond to acknowledge his extraordinary musical talent and 60 years of faithful service to the Richmond metropolitan community; and

WHEREAS, a very disciplined man, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., is fondly remembered for his charm, affability, debonair deportment, and impeccable appearance; he wore suits every day because he always wanted to look his best; and

WHEREAS, Harold S. Lilly, Sr., will be mourned by his family, friends, and colleagues, and his memory will be cherished by all whose lives were touched by him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Harold S. Lilly, Sr.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Harold S. Lilly, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory and appreciation of his commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Richmond and the Commonwealth through his gift of music.