Rev. Gordon Anderson: Pastor Emeritus, Historic First Baptist Church

From Leach & Thomas Funeral Home

The Rev. Dr. Gordon S. Anderson, age 93, went into the presence of the Lord on Thursday, July 4, 2013, after seventy years of active ministry.

Rev. Anderson retired in July 2011 from the Historic First Baptist Church in Ossining, New York, where he had served as Pastor since 1998.  

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; daughter, Prof. Marie McCarthy, (Robert) of Acadia University, Nova Scotia, Canada; son, Dr. Gordon Jr. of St. Cloud, Florida; three stepchildren, David Goodwin (Pearl) Debra McGinness (Bill), Dean Goodwin (Tracie); three grandchildren, Robert and Shannon McCarthy and Sophia Anderson; five step-grandchildren, Jeff, Nathaniel (Christie), Andrew, Taylor and Kelsey; sisters-in-law Lois, Galyna and Phyllis; brothers-in-law Allen (Irene), Ron (Nellie); great-grandchild Adelaide; nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Marion, his father, noted evangelist, E. M. Anderson, born inNorway, his mother, Hulda, an accomplished musician, a son, Paul Timothy, and two brothers, Rev. James W. Anderson and Edward M. Anderson.

Dr. Anderson was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and succeeded his father in evangelistic ministries and pastoring churches in New York and Michigan.  While serving his first pastorate, he married Marion Ruth Geary in 1942, in Buffalo, NY.  He received his academic training during his travels in Norway, attended Stony Brook School on Long Island, NY, Houghton College, NY, and National Bible Seminary, New York City.  He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Houghton College and honorary degrees from LeTourneau University, Longview, Texas, Trinity College of Florida and honorary certificates from Toccoa Falls College, GA, and Tri-Cities Bible Institute, Endicott, NY. 

He served as Pastor of several churches in New York State and Michigan.  In 1941, he was credentialed by the United Methodist Church and in 1948 by the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church.  In the early 50’s he and his late brother, Jim, established the Brooklyn, NY, Youth Jubilee Ministries, reaching thousands of teenagers with the Gospel.  They also launched the successful weekly television production titled, “Life’s Lighthouse,” over New York City’s Channel 13.  His ministry expanded with evangelistic crusades across America and internationally.  He was officially ordained into the Christian Ministry while serving the North Baptist Church, Flint, Michigan. 

In 1954, together with his late wife, Marion, he founded a worldwide non-profit mission organization, TELE-MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL, Inc.  This organization now celebrates 59 years of multiple ministries which include support of foreign and national Missionaries, hundreds of College Scholarships in memory of his deceased son, Paul Timothy, Mission Conferences, and the National Television Series titled, “Focus on Faith,” now broadcast internationally on web site www.telemissions.org.  His son, Dr. Gordon Jr., succeeds him as Executive Director of Tele-Missions International.

Less than a month prior to his passing, he completed his adventuresome autobiography entitled Born to Preach, with the able assistance of his wife, Carol.  It is anticipated that the book will soon be published and available to the general public.  

Pastor Anderson possessed a tremendous sense of humor and sharp wit. However, his most endearing legacy is his love for the Word of God and for people. He was a gifted preacher with a resonating baritone voice and greatly enjoyed singing the old hymns of the church.  He touched many lives and was loved by people from all walks of life.  He will be deeply missed.

Viewing will be at Leach and Thomas Funeral Home, 32 State Street, Ossining, on Friday, July 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church, Church Street, Ossining, on Saturday, July 13, at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be on Monday at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nyack, NY for the family members. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tele-Missions International at PO Box 700416, St. Cloud, Florida 34770.