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For 50 years, Jim Hill has been comforting people and has been a presence in thousands of churches — now Breiel Boulevard First Church of God will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hill's classic hymn, "What a Day That Will Be."

The hymn, written by Monroe resident Jim Hill, is now in its 50th year and can be found in almost all hymn books.

But, more importantly, said music pastor Dan Schaub, it is also appearing in modern anthems, which means it will continue to bless younger generations.

The 7 p.m. event will feature a 50-voice choir and full orchestra. There will also be a special video presentation from Bill Gaither, a close friend of Hill.

Hill, 76, said he still gives concerts every now and then, but something of this nature will most likely be a one-time event.

Though he now lives in the Monroe area, Hill said he has fond memories of traveling the country, rubbing shoulders with people like Elvis Presley, who often stood backstage during Hill's concerts, and Roy Rogers, the cowboy actor and singer from their shared hometown Portsmouth, Ohio who got the first copy of the song in 1956.

The hymn, sung at many funerals, was inspired by the death of Hill's mother-in-law, Stella Baldridge, he said. As she was dying, Hill said God gave him the words to comfort not only him and his family, but countless others.

"There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear. No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there; and forever I will be with the one who died for me, what a glorious day that will be."

Hill said when his family sang the song to Baldridge, she smiled. They all felt peace.

"It has really stood the test of time," Schaub said. "I truly believe it has inspired people."

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or lhilty@coxohio.com.