The Hall of Christian Excellence added one of Selma’s own — Bill Lolley.

Lolley, a member of Westwood Church of God, received this award at the bi-annual Church of God International General Assembly in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday.

“It was almost a couple of years ago and we hadn’t heard anything, and then we got a letter in the mail back in May saying that he had won this award and that he was to go down to Orlando for this,” said Sherry Lolley, Bill’s wife.

The honor is bestowed at the assembly to exemplary members of congregations.

“It’s a very prestigious award,” said Lenae Simmons, executive secretary for the Church of God Lay Ministries. “It’s the highest award honor that a lay member can have in the Church of God in our whole denomination.”

Nominees must be openly identified with Christ; loyal to their church; generous with time, talents and finances; are committed to their families and take an active part in outreach ministries.

The Rev. Jonathan Lambert, pastor of the church, nominated Lolley and sent it to the state office.

“He takes his responsibility to the church very seriously,” Lambert said. “Whenever there is a need, he usually is the first one available and the quickest one to jump in there and get something done. From my perspective as a pastor, it’s really amazing to see the great amount of dedication that he shows.”

Lolley has been an active member of the church for more than five years, is the president of the men’s ministry, a teacher for the boy’s club, sings in the choir and prepares food for the church’s annual barbecue fundraiser.

“Brother Bill is really friendly and a humble spirit about him,” said Kerri Ingram, Westwood member. “He’ll do anything for anybody. If there’s anything you need, he’ll do it.”

Lolley’s kindness and generosity are prevalent to many members of the church.

“He goes out of his way to do things for the church,” said Frances Williamson, president of the ladies’ ministry. “He does a lot we don’t even know about. He just comes out here and works.”

State offices selected three nominations and submitted them to the International Lay Board to review. The selection committee chose up to 20 men and 20 women for the award. This year, the board honored 35 people.

The Hall of Christian Excellence award began in 1986. Since its creation, 403 congregations have been honored. Photos of all awardees will be added to the hallway in the Church of God offices in Cleveland, Tenn.

The Lay Ministries department of the Church of God serves as a resource of ministry materials for local churches and recognizes influential members and pastors.