Cecil G. Smith was the son of Christopher Smith he had 2 other siblings Ruth Dill Smith and John Smith He grew up in Camp Hill Warwick. In his early childhood he discovered his love for music and spent time playing on his grandmother’s organ. He readily followed in his fathers footsteps who was himself an organist at one time at the Vernon Temple Church. Cecil obtained his Degree in Music at Wilberforce University in Ohio and completed his Master’s Degree at Michigan State University.
In 1961 he became the assistant to Doris Corbin on the Organ at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Bermuda. He played organ as young Anthony Woolf assumed the directorship of the St. Paul Gospel Choir. Cecil proudly accepts the congrats when the Senior Choir of St. Paul would sing the Hallelujah Choir knowing that they out done themselves on every occasion. He became the director of the Police Choir who had the honour of singing before Queen Elizabeth the 2nd. and during the unrest of the 1977 riots it was stated the smooth sounds of the music helped to calm the crowds near St. Paul area on Court and Victoria streets. In 1980 Cecil succeeded Mrs. Corbin at the church organ and often played at other churches where ever his services were required. Cecil was married to Avery Smith (Jones) she herself was from a musical family and they had one daughter. Cecil became a close and dear friend of Edwin Wilson they were not only high school friends but attended the same over seas Universities. He was graciously accepted as a close friend of the Wilson family.
He was a teacher and taught music to several generations of children at Sandys Secondary School (Now Sandy’s Middle School) where he remained for 12 years. In 1979 he received the O.B.E. from the Queen of England for his contribution to the Police Choir. He was recognized by the Government in 1993 for his contributions to the Arts. He was given a lifetime achievement award in 2015 by the Bermuda Arts Council. Cecil shared his talents in later years with Christ Church in Devonshire when the musical styles at St. Paul changed to a more upbeat tempo. He stayed with Christ Church until ailling health prevented him from continuing to give his best . You were truly legendary and blessed my Spiritual brother and lifted the hearts of so many your heavenly reward is well deserved.
Researched and Scribed by Joy
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