A minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ for 57 years, Reverend Harrell O. Alford, 75, was serving as Pastor Emeritus of the First Apostolic Church in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, when the Lord called him into retirement. A Louisiana native and a 1939 graduate of Ferriday High School (where he won a football award), Brother Alford first pastored the Galvez Pentecostal Church in Gonzales, Louisiana. He moved on to pastor the Polkville Pentecostal Church in Polkville, Mississippi, and then to found and build two churches: First Apostolic Church in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, and Thaxton Pentecostal Church in Thaxton, Mississippi.
Brother Alford was trained in surgical technology at William Beaumont General Hospital in Beaumont, Texas, and served from April 27, 1944, until his separation on February 2, 1946, in the 201st General Hospital as a U.S. Army Medical Technician. For his service in World War Il he received a Bronze Star, a U.S. military decoration awarded for heroism and exemplary conduct in ground combat. Other decorations and citations include the EAME Campaign Medal (with the Bronze Star), the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, and a World War Il Victory Medal.
Brother Alford is survived by his wife (whom he loved greatly) Annie Lavern Whatley Alford, one brother, five sons and daughters-in-law, six daughters and sons-in-law, 28 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, innumerable children of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a host of friends and ministering brethren.
His gentle never-ending smile, whistle, song, and the gospel message of Jesus Christ will forever be in our minds and hearts. Brother Alford loved people and people loved Brother Alford. Romans 5:5 says, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Brother Alford showed forth the love of God.