BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Deacon Frazier Tom Smith is retiring from his music ministry on a high note. Having been with Calvary Baptist Church for 65 years, community members say they will miss hearing the Minister of Music on Sunday.
"It says a lot about his character. He has a beautiful personality. He is a man of God. A man that loves God and demonstrates that in his walk of life," said Calvary Baptist Church Committee Lynne Baugh-Richardson. "He really makes that piano sing. He has a gift that God has given him and he has used it."
Deacon Frazier also served as the superintendent of the Calvary Baptist Sunday School. His commitment to the church hasn't been the easiest.
"I don't know how many times I've had to pray to the Lord for strength, understanding, to be able to move through the music," said Calvary Baptist Church Minister of Music Deacon Frazier T. Smith.
And to think, he entered the music industry because of his mother. Deacon Frazier started playing piano while attending Bennet High School.
"An opening came at Calvary Baptist Church. My mother was talking to someone and they needed a musician so my mother recommended me. I was kind of hesitant to take it at first, but with a little push from mom, I went ahead and joined," he explained.
Deacon Frazier's impact has stretched far beyond his church community.
"He has played with the Buffalo Colored Musicians Club. He's done work within the academy. It truly is a blessing to see just how many lives he has impacted along the way," said Calvary Baptist Church Senior Pastor Corey B. Gibson. "You see someone from week to week and you may not think anything of it but to have someone who really serves on staff, not taking off regularly, really giving it 110% truly was a blessing."
Pastor Corey says Deacon Frazier is a living legend.
"To have someone of his caliber to help me navigate the early stages of my pastorate was truly a blessing," he said. "Whenever I begin to talk about working and serving alongside, Deacon T, it has truly been a remarkable experience, serving alongside a living legend."
To Deacon Frazier, the highlight of his career was leading the music ministry. As he closes one chapter and opens another, he can't help but be thankful for the love he's received.
"The retiring is memorable. I just never expected that much of a celebration that we're having," Deacon Frazier said. "It sort of caught me off guard but it was an enthusiastic response to the music industry."
Deacon Frazier is also a father of four, grandfather of two, and great-grandfather of one. The 83-year-old plans to spend more time with his loved ones and hopes to inspire future pianists.
