today our conference lost one of its beloved pastors. the Rev. Ben Alford. being new to the tennessee conference i do not have the history as many of my friends do with ben. i met him some 6 years ago when he was like a pastor in residence for the very first youth ministry institute, which i was a part of. i couldn't explain it all, but i just liked the guy, a whole lot. he was energetic, fun to talk with, knowledgeable in that wise way, and he just seemed to care a whole lot about us youth workers.
in the years following we've enjoyed the colleague relationship, exchanging conversations and telling some stories at the annual conference or whatever the big event was at that time. the last time i saw him was at hank thompson's funeral of which he presided over as pastor. he told some stories of his own fight with lung cancer (which is what took hank's life, and was something they continued their already set bond with) which had me in tears. i'll miss ben, he was one of my favorite pastors in this conference & i know he was for many others, he was one of those beloved pastors.
this is a letter written from the family.
Dad passed away this morning after his long struggle with lung cancer. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family.
We cannot adequately express how grateful we are to all of you who sent cards, emails, and letters during Dad's illness. The outpouring of love lifted him up, and lifted us all. There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life at Madison Street United Methodist Church in Clarksville on Sunday, December 14, 2008, at 2:30 p.m., with reception and visitation following the service.
As Dad requested, in lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to the Ben Alford Church Leadership Scholarship at Martin Methodist College, 433 West Madison Street, Pulaski, TN 38478, or to Port Royal United Methodist Church, 2997 Highway 76, Adams, TN 37010.
Thanks again for your love and generosity.
The Alford Family
Ben Alford is the reason my mom went to college. She knew there was no way her family could afford it, but Ben encouraged her to apply to Martin Methodist College anway. She was accepted, received scholarships, and both her life and mine have been changed forever because of it. My first post-college job was working for Ben in the Center for Church Leadership at MMC. I am forever indebted to him, grateful for his willingness to be in ministry in a myriad of ways, and will miss him terribly.
Ben Alford is the reason my mom went to college. She knew there was no way her family could afford it, but Ben encouraged her to apply to Martin Methodist College anway. She was accepted, received scholarships, and both her life and mine have been changed forever because of it. My first post-college job was working for Ben in the Center for Church Leadership at MMC. I am forever indebted to him, grateful for his willingness to be in ministry in a myriad of ways, and will miss him terribly.
Gavin, Thanks for sharing this. I remember Ben from my time in Middle Tennessee. He will truly be missed.
Gavin, Thanks for sharing this. I remember Ben from my time in Middle Tennessee. He will truly be missed.
I got to know Rev. Alford while he was at Brentwood United Methodist Church. He was one of those people you feel like you’ve known all your life. He prayed with me as I faced a very difficult transition in my life. He inspired me by his words and he showed me what a true Christian should be. I admired and respected him and I am glad that now he rejoices in Heaven with the angels. We’ll meet again one day on those streets of gold.
a member of his Brentwood United Methodist Church family.
I got to know Rev. Alford while he was at Brentwood United Methodist Church. He was one of those people you feel like you’ve known all your life. He prayed with me as I faced a very difficult transition in my life. He inspired me by his words and he showed me what a true Christian should be. I admired and respected him and I am glad that now he rejoices in Heaven with the angels. We’ll meet again one day on those streets of gold.
a member of his Brentwood United Methodist Church family.
thanks DB for the kind words!
thanks DB for the kind words!