St. Paul has bid two of its pillars farewell--Dr. (Brother) Alexander Gardner and Brother Delphus Dorsey.
These two men had on occasion traveled together going to North Carolina to pick up the infamous North Carolina barbeque to be sold here as part of the United Methodist Men project. Traveling over the road, we are sure they shared many stories, but what can we say about these men of St. Paul.
Dr. Alexander Gardner
As St. Paul celebrated the homegoing service of Dr. Alexander Gardner on August 17, we said good-bye to a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and teacher. On this day for those who attended, we learned much about "the man" and his many achievements. Many tributes were made concerning the things he had done which had affected their lives in so many ways. Here was a man with a formal 8th grade education, going into the service, receiving his GED,  who went on to receive a doctorate in physics--an impossible dream.  The legacy of the man flows through his children who are all well educated. Out of   five children, he leaves behind not one doctor but two--an impossible dream.
What He Meant to St. Paul
The former Superintendent of the Church School had another dream. His vision was to lay the foundation upon which the St. Paul Church School could grow and prosper. The Adult Class attendance grew from the occasional visiting lecturer.
While he possessed the titled "Doctor," in church his preference was to be called "Brother Gardner." His philosophy was to put God first, then family, and to keep a positive attitude.
"Who Is That Man"
Words cannot sum up the lost St. Paul will experience due to the lost of this dear beloved "husband, father, grandfather, and friend" -- Delphus Dorsey.
He held numerous positions in the church, more than once. The kitchen didn't seem to open without him being there. And who was in charge of the punch-making brigade--none other than "Mr. D." There was no job that was too big or small that he would not do. He seemed to have a key to every door whether in the old church or the new. Accolades abounded on September 7 at his homegoing service.
If Brother Gardner's song was "The Impossible Dream" clearly Brother Dorsey's song was "If I Can Help Somebody."  No matter the song, each one lived his life