One Summit Hill native was honored for extensive service at her hometown church.

Constance “Connie” McCullian Garrett, wife of the late Vernon Garrett, became the eighth member for having attained 70 years of service at the Summit Hill United Methodist Church. Garrett joins Florence Wehr, Phyllis M. Dankel, Harry Castle, Jack and Faye Bryant, Berthamae Konstas and George Davis. Wehr and Konstas are the last surviving members of the elite group.

This honor began in the early 2000s, when the older members were becoming able to reach this milestone.

The newest member to reach the 70-year mark was confirmed on Oct. 3, 1948, by the late Rev. Leo P. Zook, and since then, Garrett has been an active member, serving the church in many capacities. She was a member of the senior choir, often participating in solos and duets, member of the former Faith Circle, communion steward and current member of the United Methodist Women and Administrative Board.

Beyond her time at the church, Garrett worked as a nurse. Her caring and gentle personality led her to be a regular volunteer at the Summit Hill food bank.

Garrett was presented with a plaque of recognition by the church’s treasurer Jill Zwiesdak during the church service on Sunday.

Garrett, walking with a cane due to a recent foot injury, proudly and quickly walked down the aisle to meet Zwiesdak. A smile never left her face.

“I really do thank you,” Garrett said. “I will never forget this moment.”

Her children John and Barbara, along with John’s wife, Judy, brother Thomas and nephews Kevin and Michael, were in attendance of the honorable event.

The family presented her with long-stemmed roses.

“You are the ideal of Christian passion,” John said.

Joining in the celebration was Pastor Dan Meader, current pastor of the church. Pastor Meader led the congregation in prayer in Garrett’s honor.

“We are thankful for the lives she has touched with the ones here and the ones no longer with us,” Meader said.

A brunch consisting of breakfast foods, pastries and beverages followed immediately after the service.

The Summit Hill United Methodist Church holds its weekly service every Sunday at 8 a.m.