Special EditionTributes to the late Rev. Dr. James Addison Gardner, Jr.His sons are:
The Rev. Mr. Talmadge Gardner
Executive Director, Church Education Ministries, IPHC
The Rev. Mr. Derrick Gardner
Senior Pastor, Life Springs Worship Center
Lexington, NC
His daughter is:
Miss Rosemary Gardner
Banker, Capital Bank & Trust
Burlington, NC
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www.hughsnews.comDr. James A. Gardner, Jr., died Friday, November 14, 2008A service of worship and celebration was conducted at Trinity Worship Center in Burlington, NC, at 11 a. m., Monday, November 17, 2008, for the Rev. Dr. James A. Gardner, Jr.
When I announced the death and funeral arrangements I wrote my tribute to Dr. Jimmy Gardner:
Dr. Jimmy Gardner was a personal friend of mine. He and I served on the Bishop's Pastoral Care Committee, along with Dr. Ronald Q. Moore, Dr. Gary Moon, and Dr. Ron Shell. The word "committee" never seemed to fit our group of men committed to pastoral care and counseling. I would say that we became
"a team of physicians of the soul." Our goal was to facilitate pastoral care ministries in every conference in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC).
Now, let me share with you my thoughts and observations about Jimmy Gardner:
Jimmy Gardner was one of the best pastors and preachers the IPHC has produced. He had a brilliant intellect, and a heart that was warmly and wonderfully kind. He was a servant leader and served with humility. He was a man of remarkable talents, one of which was his cooking abilities and culinary arts. He had exceptional energy and drive to make a difference in the world where he lived. People from all walks of life sought him out for pastoral care and ministry. He saw the best in others, and spoke life-giving words that changed the thinking of many people. He was at home no matter where he went -- and he would go out of his way to make others feel the same. He was jovial, light-hearted and generous; there was nothing phony or calculating about him. When he engaged you in conversation, you could count on his undivided
attention. He understood that people truly mattered. He dearly loved his wife Esther, as well as his two sons, Talmadge and Derrick, and his daughter, Rosemary.
I, for one, will greatly miss Jimmy Gardner. I have lost a true friend.
Hugh H. Morgan
Editor,
Hugh's News & CommentaryThose who have written tributes are:Mrs. Gay Shepherd
The Rev. Dr. John Hedgepeth
Mr. Daneel le Roux
The Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr.
Dr. Gary Moon
The Rev. Dr. Ronald Q. Moore
The Rev. Dr. Vinson Synan
The Rev. Mr. Doyle Marley
The Rev. Dr. Ronald Shell
The Rev. Mr. Wayne Knight
The Rev. Dr. Hugh H. Morgan
A note of gratitude to Mrs. Gay Shepherd for providing the order of serviceI am indebted to Mrs. Gay Shepherd for providing the order of service for the funeral that Jimmy Gardner had written prior to his death, and that was carried out in the service of worship and celebration.
Gay Shepherd wrote:
It was so good to hear from you and to know that you are paying this tribute to Jimmie. Oh how we did love him! We miss him terribly but also know how he suffered so very much over the last several years, without complaining. He was able to accomplish all that he did in life because he had such a wonderful, helpful mate in Esther Gamble Gardner. She prayed and supported him tirelessly until his last breath. If you need clarification after you read all of this, please let me know.
This was the order of Jimmie's service:
The Prelude: a Selection of Hymns
The Processional Hymn
Joyful, Joyful, We adore Thee
(Choir and congregation sing as family enters Sanctuary)
The Invocation Rev. Darrell Cox
The Call to Worship Pastor and Congregation
The Message in Song Choir
God So Loved the World (Acappella)
The Old Testament Message and Tribute by Conference Rev. Tommy McGhee
Superintendent
The Prayer of Intercession Our Pastor
Prayer the Lord Taught His Disciples Prayed in Unison
The Prayer Hymn
How Great Thou Art
(Choir and Congregation chorus only)
Personal Comments "My Dad" Rev. Derrick V. Gardner
A Message in Song
I'm Amazed Choir and soloist Joshua Wade
The New Testament Message by My Pastor Rev. Darrell Cox
Hymn
How Firm A Foundation
(Choir and congregation verses 1 and 4: all Ministers verses 2 and 3)
The Tributes
"A Long Time Lay Leader Friend" Harold Queen
"My Missionary Friend" Rev. Joe Arthur
"He was My Pastor" Mrs. Gay Shepherd
"Young Pastor's Friend and Mentor" Rev. Mike Ainsworth
Our Affirmation of Faith--"The Apostles' Creed" Congregation
Personal Comments and Family Gratitude Rev. Talmadge Gardner
The Coronation Preview Recorded
The Hallelujah Chorus George Frederick Handel
The Benediction
Jude 1:24-25 Rev. Darrell Cox
Recessional Organist Joshua Wade
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
The Tribute to Pastor James Addison Gardner, Jr.By Gay Shepherd
I must tell you this was the most beautiful Celebration Service I have ever attended. Jimmie loved these songs, especially THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS, and as it was played the entire congregation stood. How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel! Jimmie spent his entire life doing just that, not only with words but with his actions.
I'm not sure what, exactly, it is that you wanted me to write. I'll give you a few of my thoughts from my tribute to Jim during his Celebration Service:
James Addison Gardner, Jr., was my pastor for 26 years. I have never known a man like this man!. He was a minister, a pastor, a servant leader. He understood that people mattered more than anything else in the world. He always saw the best in everyone. Not only was he my pastor, he was also MY FRIEND. HE WAS LOVED BY ME (AND A MULTITUDE OF OTHERS) MORE THAN HE WILL EVER KNOW. Only from eternity will he know the far reaching effects of the love he showed to us all. Other than loving people, one of the most important things Jimmie did as our pastor was to SHOW us how to live and he did that by living a spirit-filled life. He showed us how to be true and genuine Christians. Jimmie was the great gentle giant -- not because of his size, but because he was the embodiment of Galatians 5:22-23; he lived the life of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. His purpose in life was to point the way to Heaven to everyone. He wanted ALL to make it and in making it ourselves, to bring along as many with us as we possibly could.
DR. JIMMIE GARDNER WAS A MARVELOUS PASTOR, A BELOVED FRIEND, AND A SERVANT OF THE GREATEST MAGNITUDE. WE LOVED HIM WITH OUR WHOLE HEARTS AND WE SHALL NEVER FORGET HIM. As was said of Abner, "KNOW YE NOT THAT THERE IS A PRINCE AND A GREAT MAN FALLEN THIS DAY IN ISRAEL." To those of us who loved him beyond words, he was not only a prince and a great man that has fallen, but A DEAR AND BELOVED FRIEND. Frank and I shall miss him "Until Then," when we are reunited in God's beautiful city.
As Esther, Talmadge, Derrick, and Rosemary all know, Jimmie Gardner was a friend we highly treasured!
Gay Shepherd
Emmanuel College, AA degree
East Carolina University, BS degree in English
University of North Carolina, MLS degree
Taught high school English, served as a librarian at Burlington City Schools, Elon College and Greensboro College
The Announcement in Hugh's NewsHugh's News reported the death and funeral arrangements for our beloved pastor Jimmy Gardner, on Saturday, November 15, 2008. Immediately following that newsletter, the Rev. Dr. John Hedgepeth, Senior Pastor, Northwood Temple in Fayetteville, NC, wrote the following e-mail to Hugh Morgan, editor, which has prompted this special edition to pay fitting tribute to a great and gracious man of God who served his generation in the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit:
Jimmy Gardner as seen through the eyes of John HedgepethDear Hugh,
Thank you for your excellent coverage of the life and passing of Dr. Jimmie Gardner. On the morning of his death I felt an urgency to go to Burlington to visit him, and upon my arrival, I found that he had gone to heaven just a few minutes prior. As I stood in his room with the family, I nostalgically rushed back over the past and remembered how this man of God ministered to multitudes of people and effected changes in them for eternity.
I remember Jimmie as an unselfish minister who put his people before himself. He loved to win souls and prepare them, not only for eternity, but for a life of usefulness and effective ministry here on earth. We will probably never know how many of us who have been touched by his loving hand of encouragement and filial fatherly counsel. He stretched out for others! He gave the ministry everything he could give.
It has been said many times that the greatest thing that a child can ever do is to choose a good mother and daddy. The effective ministry of his children, Talmadge, Derrick and Rosemary is a tribute to Jimmie and Esther. The words of the song "The Leader of the Band" are fitting for Jimmie and his family:
"The leader of the band is tired, his eyes are growing old,
But his blood flows through my instrument, and his song is in my soul.
Life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man,
I'm just a living legacy of the leader of the band."
Dan Fogelberg
As I rode away from the family toward home on Friday, a strong memory came to me as I raced back over the years. When I was a young boy, Jimmie and a group of men from Holmes Bible College came to my home church and the most significant thing that they did to ignite a flame of soul winning in me was their song that they sang and acted out--"The Lost Sheep." The poignant words that arrested me were: "I was the one that was lost." Needless to say, those were Jimmie's most challenging words to me and they helped to change my whole life.
God bless you, Jimmie. May you rest in peace
John Hedgepeth
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TRIBUTE TO AN EXCEPTIONAL SERVANT OF GODBy Daneel le Roux
Late on Friday evening, I learned through
Hugh’s News that Jimmy Gardner had gone ahead of us to be with his Lord.
I met Jimmy and Esther while studying at Holmes. In the years following those school days, distance and oceans limited our opportunities to see each other except on special occasions.
However, Jimmy created news wherever he went. So he was on my mind and in my heart and conversation on a regular basis.
Jimmy’s sojourn as a missionary to South Africa took him to the city of Krugersdorp where I once lived. While living there I often wondered and inquired why the International Pentecostal Holiness Church did not have a church in that city, especially since it had been the IPHC headquarters in South Africa since 1913.
No one had been able to establish a church there until Jimmy arrived in 1958. He started a Pentecostal Holiness Church in a rented hall and soon afterwards, needing more space, started planning to build a church on the city square down town. The lot he had his eyes on belonged to the city and was located in a very prominent part of down town. The city, however, declined to sell the property to Jimmy because it was a planned site for a recreational park. Jimmy, on the other hand, was not to be put off, but consistently continued to pursue his goal.
Jimmy had a very winning and dynamic personality and every fiber of his being was devoted and dedicated to the ministry. He had a deep compassion for souls and a vaulting ambition to proclaim God’s word and show forth His love which evidently impressed the city officials just like he impressed me when he conducted a week of revival services at my home church. His love for people and his desire to help them with their needs, both spiritual and physical, were demonstrated when he, as a visiting evangelist, visited members of the congregation who were confined in the hospital or at home. For that week he became their pastor. His great devotion in ministering the love and saving grace of Jesus was vividly displayed on another occasion when in the hospital himself, he conducted a funeral via a video presentation.
It must have been this attitude of service and devotion that impressed and persuaded the City Officials in Krugersdorp to change their minds and to give him a deed to the same property which, a few months before, was not for sale. It cost Jimmy one Rand (forty-five US cents). This was indeed a miracle by all accounts and Jimmy built a church where others could not. He built the church in a very prominent spot down town and it not only became the largest church in Krugersdorp, with many dignitaries of the city becoming members, but also became the largest Pentecostal Holiness Church in the world at that time.
This God accomplishment was made possible through a dedicated life – Jimmy Gardner
Daneel le Roux
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Holmes Bible College
President East Carolina Vocational Center in Greenville, NC
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A Tribute to Dr. James GardnerBy Dr. Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr.
I have had great respect and deep admiration for Dr. James Gardner literally since I was a boy. When I was 10 years old, he and Esther came to my home church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, for a revival. Since I grew up in the PH Church, I was always made to go to service whenever we had them so I had attended countless revival services in my short lifespan of ten years. However, this couple was different. They played and sang and preached with great simplicity. Their stories of ministry to the people in Africa caught my attention and one particular story he told actually gripped my heart. I have repeated that story many times in preaching and used it just last week in talking to a discouraged pastoral couple. Like many others before them, they were greatly inspired by a story I first heard from Jimmy Gardner 50 years ago.
I realize now that God used Dr. James Gardner to “Plant” the seed of the gospel in my heart. I had heard the gospel many times but it had always fallen on stony ground or by the wayside. Jimmy Gardner “planted” the seed in such an anointed and powerful way that six years later I gave my heart to Jesus as a junior in high school. Dr. James Garner was used by God to lead me to Jesus!
Dr. James Gardner has planted that same “gospel seed” in the hearts of thousands of people over the years. He has accomplished an unbelievable mission during his life and we shall miss him greatly. However, the sermons he preached, the counsel he gave, the words he spoke, the influence he exerted, and the life he lived will continue bringing salvation to people for generations to come. I grieve for his family but I rejoice at his coronation!
Dr. Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr.
Executive Director, Evangelism USA
Vice Chairman, The International Pentecostal Holiness Church
Chairman, Chaplains Ministries Board
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A Tribute to Dr. James GardnerBy Bishop Ronald Q. Moore
Dear Rev. Dr. Hugh H. Morgan,
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
I appreciate the wonderful ministry that you give to the International Pentecostal Holiness Church family as you keep us informed and bring us together to celebrate our family ties and each other. Thank you for the masterful way you do this with kindness, love and excellence!
May I express my love, appreciation and admiration for our mutual friend, Dr. Jimmy Gardner.
I remember the days that we served with him on the Pastoral Care Committee for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.
He served with great distinction and grace. He made such a vital contribution from his professional experience as an authority on the subject of Pastoral Care. But we also knew it was from a heart of
servant leadership that he lived out the ministry of Pastoral Care. He was a wonderful role model of giving such tender, loving care to everyone he touched. It just seemed to flow from his very being.
Brother Jimmy Gardner was the personification of Pastoral Care! He literally lived for others! He was so unselfish. Many are the stories of his acts of kindness and words of help and encouragement. Thousands of people from differing parts of the world can give testimony of his ministry of pastoral care. He taught it so well because he lived it so
passionately!
Rev. Jimmy Gardner is truly one of the greatest pastors of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. His life and ministry stand as a wonderful example to us all. I am grateful to God for giving Rev. Jimmy Gardner to the International Pentecostal Holiness Church family!
I am thankful that he was my friend and mentor!
Sincerely,
Ronald Q. Moore
Superintendent, Upper South Carolina Conference
Served as Chairman of the Bishop's Pastoral Care Committee
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A Tribute to Dr. James A. GardnerBy Dr. Gary Moon
Thank you, Hugh, for the invitation to write a few words about our friend, Dr. James A. Gardner. It was my sincere privilege to serve with you both on the Bishop’s Pastoral Care Committee for the IPHC.
I had only known Dr. Gardner by reputation before having this chance to work together on the Pastoral Care Committee. I remember that I immediately liked him and that over the course of working together I was continually impressed by his education, his intellect, his knowledge of pastoral care and counseling and his heart for wounded pastors. In fact, he was the heart and soul of our committee.
Along with you, Hugh, I was fortunate to be a guest in the home of Dr. Gardner and his wife, Esther. In all my years of traveling the hospitality I enjoyed during that visit has never been surpassed. I also recall that it was Dr. Gardner who prepared the evening meal and that I asked for seconds and thirds. I also recall his joy as he gave us a tour of the building site and shared his vision for what became Trinity Worship Center.
I think that what stands out most to me about Dr. Gardner is the fact that he kept being elected by his peers to key positions of leadership—Board Member, Committee Chair, President of local Ministerial Associations. Dr. Gardner’s peers recognized that they were in the presence of a man who was radiant with class, compassion and creativity. He was the person you would want as a confidant, mentor and friend. I’m a better person for having been in the same room with Dr. Gardner. The International Pentecostal Holiness has lost one of the greatest ambassadors it has ever produced.
Gary W. Moon
Vice-President and Professor, Psychological Studies Institute
Executive Director, Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation
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A Tribute to Dr. Jimmy GardnerBy Dr. Vinson Syan
Dear Hugh,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Gardner. He was a prince of pastors with a great heart for the lost and hurting.
I first heard him singing in a quartet from Holmes in the Upper South Carolina camp meeting. The anointed singing brought electricity and wild rejoicing to the campers.
In later years I preached in his great church in Krugersdorp, South Africa. There he had a marvelous ministry to down and outers as well as to politicians and movie stars.
His pastorates back in North Carolina were as dynamic as the great work he did in Africa. His sons Talmadge and Derrick have become great leaders in their own right.
We have lost a giant, but a great heritage remains.
Vinson Synan
Former Assistant General Superintendent of the IPHC
Retired Dean, School of Divinity, Regent University
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A Tribute to Dr. Jimmy Gardner By Doyle Marley
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share a few words and thoughts about the life and ministry of Dr. Jimmy Gardner.
Dr. Gardner was one of those people who left an indelible mark on the life of everyone he met. His winsome smile and wonderful way of engaging you in conversation captured your heart and mind. He made you feel that what you wanted to say was really important and that you as a person were special.
Bro. Jimmy was one who sought to encourage you. He would often express his appreciation for special events held in the Conference. You could always count on a nice note or phone call to just say “thank you” for things we would do for our retired ministers and spouses.
I will always remember the opportunities he gave me to preach. He was so gracious and complimentary of your ministry, even when you thought you had done less than your best. He had a way of always finding the “good” things. His optimism and bright outlook on things around him will be greatly missed.
He was a man of great wisdom and understanding. His keen insight and thoughtful analysis of every situation was invaluable to all who worked around him and to all who were touched by his ministry.
I shall always remember his great voice and the privilege I had work with him during the years I led the Camp Meeting music for our Conference. For a number of years it would just not be Camp Meeting if Bro. Jimmie did not sing “Till The Storm Passes By” with the choir. I can still hear him singing:
When the long night has ended
And the storms come no more
Let me stand in Thy presence
On that bright peaceful shore
The night is now past and the storms are over for Bro. Jimmy. He has reached the bright peaceful shore & is standing in the presence of the One he served so faithfully for so many years here among us. Our loss is truly Heaven’s gain, and somewhere in the great choir on the other side, Bro. Jimmy is still singing.
I will miss my friend, mentor and fellow minister.Doyle G. Marley
Assistant Superintendent, Cornerstone Conference
Director, Evangelism and Church Planting
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A Tribute to Dr. James A. GardnerBy Ronald Shell
I met Jimmie Gardner while serving on the Bishop’s Pastoral Care Committee. We were in the formative stages of the Committee’s development, and Jimmy’s presence was profound.
Of course, he had the very best academic preparation and professional experience. However, it was his natural wit, wisdom and unusual gifts and graces that marked his contribution. He immediately put me at ease. I sensed that I was with a fellow sojourner, a true believer. I felt right at home with him. He exuded joy and good will every time we met. He shared some of his rich stories to include his studies at the University of South Africa. His eyes would sparkle as he recounted. I knew I was in the midst of greatness; but at the same time, he was so down to earth.
My encounters with him were few, but very gratifying and meaningful. My only regret is that I did not get to spend enough time with this true servant. I look forward to picking up where we left off at our reunion in Heaven.
James Ronald Shell
Retired Army Reserve Chaplain (Colonel)
Retired VA Hospital Chaplain
Served as a member of the Bishop's Pastoral Care Committee
Cheyenne, Wyoming
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A Tribute to Dr. James GardnerBy Wayne Knight
I first met Dr. Gardner when he and Esther were missionaries in South Africa. He impressed me with his style of preaching. When he moved into our conference my friendship with him and his lovely wife grew. I respected him as a minister, a friend, a counselor. He has served in many areas with distinction and grace. He was a big man who had a big heart for people and ministers. His spiritual professionalism was an example for all to admire. His broad smile made people feel important. I know he gave of himself to help other ministers and there are a number of young ministers who he trained in love and with grace.
I will miss him at conference events. He was always a conference minded minister who was loyal to his conference and the leadership of his conference. He gave his all to his Lord and to the people who he served. He led with dignity and style. He preached with compassion and he lived his life loving others. He leaves large footprints from South Africa to North Carolina. He also leaves a lovely wife and his children who are blessed with the same grace and dignity he had.
Wayne Knight
Senior Pastor, Lexington First Pentecostal Holiness Church
Lexington, NC
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Will you receive the Benediction?Colossians 1:2
2 I greet the Christians and stalwart followers of Christ who live in Colosse.
May everything good from God our Father be yours! (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)
Your friend in all seasons,
Hugh Holmes MorganThe Reverend Dr. Hugh H. Morgan
Director of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC
Vice Chairman, NAE Commission on Chaplains
Chairman, Endorsers Conference for Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy
Ex Officio Member, National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces Executive Committee
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