At the conclusion of the Eastside Renaissance Black History Month Celebration held at Roseland Community Center on Feb. 24, the Rev. Eleanor D. Miller, of Tryon, was presented with Roseland’s inaugural “Carrie Lee Massey Award for Community Service.”

In announcing the establishment of the award and making the presentation, Roseland President Warren Carson noted that Carrie Massey was “the spirit behind Roseland” for as long as he could remember, and was one who loved young people especially and who was always willing to serve the community for positive change. In recognizing Miller, Carson observed that although she serves in numerous capacities, she never tries to bring attention to herself. Calling her “Everyone’s Pastor” and “a true Eastside Warrior,” Carson said that Rev. Miller embodies the same spirit as Carrie Massey in that she is always about doing good things, with a heart for serving the people.

A clearly surprised and emotional Miller was escorted to the podium by Joseph Fox, Roseland vice president, to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the capacity crowd in attendance. Fox said that the recognition of Miller “was the obvious choice and a fitting conclusion to a great celebration of life and possibility on the Eastside. [The] Rev. Miller represents the best of who we are.”

Miller serves as pastor of the New Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Polk County. In addition, she is a member of the board of directors of Roseland Community Center; member and former chair of the Eastside Citizens Advisory Committee; member of the Board of Directors of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministries; member of Unity in the Community; and a member of the newly organized Eastside Pastors and Ministers Coalition. Carson noted, however, that most of Miller’s work is “service to individuals in need — one on one — in the spirit of ministry that often flies beneath the radar.”

Miller is also the author of three books, the most recent of which, “Forever Friends,” was published earlier this year. Miller and her husband Charles have seven children and 17 grandchildren.

– Submitted by Dr. Warren J. Carson