On a tragic morning of May 18, 2023, the faith community was shaken by the devastating news of Pastor Harry L. Reeder III’s untimely demise in a fatal car accident. As the senior pastor of the renowned Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Reeder’s life was an embodiment of unwavering dedication to his calling and an unyielding commitment to preaching the gospel.
His sudden departure left an indelible void in the hearts of his congregation, the community he served tirelessly, and the countless lives he touched through his powerful ministry. Yet, amidst the profound sorrow, Reeder’s legacy stands as a beacon of faith, a testament to the transformative power of the Word of God, and an inspiration for generations to come.
Pastor Harry Reeder’s Life and Ministry
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Harry Reeder’s journey into ministry was guided by a profound sense of purpose and a fervent desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ. His early life was marked by a steadfast commitment to his studies, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in History and Bible from Covenant College in 1974.
Reeder’s pastoral roles spanned multiple congregations, each bearing the indelible mark of his leadership and vision. He began his ministry at an Independent Bible Church in the Chattanooga area, where he honed his skills as a shepherd and nurtured a growing flock. Subsequently, he served as the pastor of Pinelands Presbyterian Church in Miami, Florida, where his congregation swelled from 50 to over 400 members during his tenure.
In February 1983, Reeder embarked on a monumental task as the founding pastor of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Under his guidance, the church flourished, growing from a modest 38 committed members to a vibrant community of over 3,000 worshippers during Sunday morning services.
However, Reeder’s most significant and enduring ministry unfolded in 1999 when he assumed the role of senior pastor at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. With a congregation of over 4,100 members, Briarwood became the canvas upon which Reeder painted his masterpiece, a legacy that would resonate far beyond the walls of the church.
Throughout his ministry, Reeder’s dedication to preaching the gospel and making disciples was unwavering. He understood the power of the Word of God to transform lives and communities, and he dedicated himself to expounding upon its profound truths with clarity, conviction, and passion.
Reeder’s involvement in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) denomination was equally remarkable. As a founding father and influential voice within the PCA, he played a pivotal role in shaping the denomination’s trajectory and upholding its commitment to the Scriptures, the Reformed faith, and the Great Commission.
The Pastor Harry Reeder Car Accident and Tragic Loss
On the fateful morning of May 18, 2023, Pastor Reeder’s life was tragically cut short in a car accident on Dunnavant Valley Road in Shelby County, Alabama. According to reports, Reeder’s 2022 Buick Envision collided with the rear of a 2022 International dump truck, driven by Brad Dawson, who escaped unharmed.
The news of Reeder’s passing sent shockwaves through the community, eliciting an outpouring of tributes and condolences from church members, community leaders, and fellow ministers. Bruce Stallings, the executive pastor at Briarwood, expressed the church’s profound grief in a heartfelt statement:
“It is with a deeply heavy heart that I communicate to you that our Lord has called home pastor harry reeder car accident. Please pray for Cindy, Jennifer, Ike, Abby, and their entire family, as well as our staff and church family, as we all grieve this tremendous loss together. But we do not grieve without hope because we know our pastor is with His Savior and has been received by grace with – ‘Well done, My good and faithful servant.'”
The immense impact of Reeder’s passing was felt not only within the walls of Briarwood but also across the wider faith community. Plans were swiftly put in place to honor his legacy and provide a fitting memorial service to celebrate his life and contributions.
Remembering Pastor Reeder’s Powerful Preaching
One of the hallmarks of Pastor Reeder’s ministry was his passion and gift for expository preaching. His sermons were not mere lectures but living encounters with the Word of God, delivered with a fervor that captivated hearts and minds alike.
Reeder’s preaching style was marked by a rare blend of profound theological depth and practical application. He had a remarkable ability to unpack complex biblical truths in a manner that resonated with his congregation, drawing them deeper into an understanding of God’s character and His plan for their lives.
Notable sermons, such as his powerful message on Hebrews 13:7, delivered mere hours before his untimely passing, resonated profoundly with those in attendance. Reeder’s words, “Remember your leaders who spoke the Word of God to you, consider the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith,” became a poignant reminder of his enduring impact and the call to follow in his footsteps.
Throughout his ministry, Reeder’s preaching touched countless lives, drawing people closer to Christ and igniting a passion for the gospel within their hearts. His sermons were not mere words but living testimonies to the transformative power of the Word of God, and their impact will undoubtedly reverberate through generations to come.
A Family Man and Faithful Servant
While Pastor Reeder’s ministry was his life’s calling, his devotion to his family was equally unwavering. His wife, Cindy, stood by his side as a steadfast partner in ministry, offering unwavering support and love throughout their 54-year marriage.
Reeder’s three children, Jennifer Hay, Harry Lloyd Reeder IV, and Abigail Leib, bore witness to their father’s deep love and commitment to his family. Anecdotes shared by his daughters, such as his tendency to leave behind personal belongings due to his intense focus on ministry, painted a picture of a man whose priorities were firmly rooted in service to God and his loved ones.
Balancing the demands of ministry with being a present husband and father was a delicate dance that Reeder navigated with grace and humility. His sister, Beth Thomas, fondly recalled how he once officiated her wedding while still in his sweat-soaked softball uniform, unwilling to leave until he had secured a victory for his church team.
Reeder’s life was a testament to the principle of humble servanthood, embodying Christ’s teachings on selfless love and sacrifice. His willingness to go above and beyond, whether on the pulpit or in his personal life, inspired those around him to lead lives of faithful service.
Pastor Reeder’s Legacy
The indelible mark left by Pastor Reeder on Briarwood Presbyterian Church and its ministries is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the gospel and his vision for a thriving, Christ-centered community.
Under his leadership, Briarwood grew not only in numbers but also in its spiritual depth and outreach efforts. Reeder’s influence extended far beyond the church’s walls, touching the lives of countless individuals through his unwavering proclamation of the Word of God.
Within the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) denomination and the broader Christian community, Reeder’s legacy burns brightly. He inspired and mentored countless pastors and leaders, imparting his wisdom, passion, and commitment to gospel-centered, expository preaching.
As the faith community mourns this tremendous loss, there is a call to celebrate Reeder’s life and legacy while grieving his absence. His vision for a church firmly rooted in the Scriptures, unwavering in its commitment to the Reformed faith, and obedient to the Great Commission must be carried forward by those he has inspired.
Conclusion
Pastor Harry Reeder’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of faith, dedication, and unwavering love for God and His people. His sudden departure has left an indelible void, but his legacy stands as a beacon, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of the gospel and a renewed commitment to sharing its transformative message.
As we bid farewell to this faithful servant, we find solace in the knowledge that he now rejoices in the presence of his Savior, having heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” May we draw inspiration from his example of unwavering faith and continue to carry forth his mission of sharing the hope of Christ with a world in desperate need of its transformative power.
In the days and years ahead, may Reeder’s life serve as a reminder that our time on this earth is fleeting, and our calling to make an eternal impact through the proclamation
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