IT was a most hectic weekend for us, trying to keep up with Kelly Zuill and his hundreds of fans, who went to great lengths helping him celebrate his 40th anniversary as a religious personality and gospel music promoter.

It began last Friday night when they nearly packed the big Anglican Cathedral in Hamilton to capacity for a worship service of praise and thanksgiving. Continuing on Saturday night, some 200 devotees attended a $50-a-plate celebration banquet in his honour at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel; and making a quick change from their black ties and evening gowns as many were garbed, they were out again joining others for the early Sunday morning 10.30 worship service at St. Ann's Parish Church in Southampton, where Kelly is a member of the Ministerial Board. The service was followed by a repast in the church hall.

St. Anne's Rector, the Rev. Michael Davis, devoted his entire sermon to a recapitulation of "how my ears prick up" waking up early mornings, rain, blow or shine to what he called "the golden voice of our very own Kelly leading us in word, song and prayer" in a non-denominational way.

He's been doing this for 40 years, developing a humble but powerful ministry, the Rector added.

"Kelly, I can tell you man, I get carried away in my love for Jesus and his people when you play Shall We Gather at the River, Mr. Davis said.

He added that he likewise gets carried away when he plays James Weldon Johnson's Lift Every Voice and Sing and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Master of Ceremonies at the banquet was the Rev. Rodney Grimes of the AME Church, and the Rev. Ronnie Smith of the Church of God, Angle Street, was the guest speaker.

"Kelly will never really know the impact of his ministry on the community at large," Mr. Smith said. He added: "However much as I recognise you are being used as an instrument of God for such times as these, God must get the praise for providing for us through Kelly the blessings of music."

Former Senator the Rev. Trevor Woolridge made a lightning trip from Philadelphia to be guest preacher at the Cathedral service. He recalled he was merely six years old when Kelly started uplifting God through words and music in his hour-long Gospel Train programme at 6 a.m., followed by another hour of Gospel at Dawn.

That was in 1963 on Radio Station ZFB 1230, and it continues to this day. He spoke of the impact on himself of such songs as Climbing Up the Rough Side of the Mountain and others that he cited.

AT each of the three events Kelly was bolstered by one or another his former and current colleagues in the media. The Rev. George Smith, an old ZFB disc jockey and TV cameraman, was Worship Leader at the Cathedral. Leola Stovell, who joined Kelly 36 years ago, and Winston J.R. Jones along with Keevil (The Captain) Burgess were assigned the Scripture Readings.

The Southampton SDA Inspirational Choir rendered selections, as did The Upper Room Quintette. Kelly and members of the Quintette were all Sandys Secondary School classmates. They started in Gospel in the same time frame, 40 years ago, and complemented each other all along the line, he playing their songs on radio and promoting them in their various appearances at the old Rosebank Theatre.

Winston Jones credited the founder of Capital Broadcasting Company's Montague Sheppard for his entrepreneurial initiatives that led to the discovery of a wealth of hidden talent in Bermuda, such as Kelly and others still performing well in many spheres locally and abroad.

One of the finest of the many tributes to Kelly during the run-up to the weekend celebration came from Gospel exponent Olney Bean.

She stated: "I wish to esteem and congratulate you for the many years of service that you have faithfully and unselfishly offered in the radio ministry. Over 40 years ago, God endowed you with that special gift and you have utilised it all for the sake of bringing solace, comfort, joy and peace to others through the songs you select.

"You may, at times, receive confirmation from your listeners that the opening prayer or a particular song lifted their spirit, but, Kelly, you will never know the full extent of your ministry which is so unique in that you are careful to include selections which appeal to persons of all ages.

"Please allow me to personally thank you for being the extended partner for the many times you not only aired my music recordings but the exposure you gave and still give is appreciative. I will ever be grateful to you, Kelly."