Senior Lay Leader
Born in Monroe, Louisiana, January 16, 1939, I am the fifth child in a family of five girls and two boys. Born to Percy and Lottie Gordon. Both of my parents were hard working Christians with limited education who taught their children the value of work and Christian living. We were taught to praise God through prayer, bible study, and respect, ourselves and others-especially older adults and to aspire for excellence. I grew up in the Baptist church. I attended Sunday school, Sunday morning worship, Baptist Young People’s Union and Wednesday night prayer meeting. Despite their limited education my parents placed a high value on education. Consequently, they made sure that all seven of us went to school and finished high school, college and graduate school.
After college I was drafted into the military where I served as a commissioned Officer at Fort Benning, Georgia for more than three years from 1961 to 1964. In May of 1964, I responded to a job announcement to teach at Contra Costa College. I came out for an interview and was hired immediately. I requested to be released from active duty and was released in August of 1964. My wife and I drove to San Pablo and I began my teaching career in September 1964.
After locating a place to live, we began looking for a church at which to worship. After visiting several churches, including Easter Hill United Methodist, we decided to become members. Booker Anderson was the pastor and a well-known social activist. There was a visitor’s reception after worship service each Sunday and we were welcomed to the congregation with open arms. Both of our children grew up in this church. My daughter and grand-daughter live in Phoenix, AZ and my son lives in Oakland, CA.
During my tenure at Easter Hill I have served on the following committees and or commissions; Pastor Parish Relations, Stewardship, Finance, Lay Servants, Shepherds, Committee on Lay Leadership, Chancel Choir, Methodist Men’s Fellowship, and Men’s Chorus.
Our decision to become a member of Easter Hill United Methodist Church was a good one. It is a family church and one that serves the entire Richmond community.
