1. Longtime Lakeland pastor Rev. Alex Harper
2. Lakeland pastor Rev. Alex Harper dies at 88.
Longtime Lakeland Pastor Rev. Alex Harper Dies at 88
In a tragic incident, Rev. Alex Harper, a beloved figure in the Lakeland community, passed away on January 22, just a month shy of his 89th birthday. The news of his death has left the community in shock and mourning.
Rev. Harper, born on February 23, 1935 in Nettleton, Mississippi, had a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a highly respected pastor and leader. Growing up in a family of sharecroppers, Rev. Harper experienced the hardships of segregation, the Great Depression, and Jim Crow laws. As a young boy, he would often be found working in the cotton fields alongside his father and brother, doing his part to make ends meet.
Despite the challenges he faced, Rev. Harper’s strong work ethic and determination propelled him forward. By the age of 16, he had already achieved significant milestones, including becoming the senior pastor of First Baptist Institutional Church and the convention director of the First South Florida Missionary Baptist District Association. His dedication and commitment to his faith were evident to all who knew him.
Former Lakeland Mayor Gow Fields, who had been friends with Rev. Harper and his wife Martha for over 50 years, spoke highly of his character and impact on the community. He described Rev. Harper as a hard-working, faithful, and loving servant of the Lord, who had a genuine care for the spiritual and vital needs of those around him.
Rev. Harper’s journey to the ministry began when he left school at the age of 16 to work on the railway, inspired by the well-dressed and successful railroad workers he admired. However, his path took him to Indiana, where he did odd jobs before eventually working at the US Steel Mill Corp. During this time, he never lost sight of his faith and the values instilled in him by his family.
In 1959, Rev. Harper and his family moved to Lakeland, Florida, in search of better employment opportunities. It was here that he heard about an adult night school and decided to pursue his education further. This decision led him to Florida Memorial University, where he not only obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree but also became a pastor. Over the course of his ministry, he served in various congregations, leaving a lasting impact on each one.
Rev. Harper’s contributions extended beyond the church walls. He dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights and justice, working tirelessly to improve the lives of people of all races throughout Polk County and beyond. His efforts were recognized and celebrated by organizations such as the NAACP and Florida Memorial University.
Throughout his life, Rev. Harper emphasized the importance of love, hard work, family, education, and financial responsibility to his children. He and Martha, his wife of nearly 70 years, raised three sons and a daughter, instilling in them the same values that guided his own life.
Visitation for Rev. Harper will take place today from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Friday, February 2nd at 11:00 a.m. Both events will be held at First Baptist Institutional Church in Lakeland.
The passing of Rev. Alex Harper is a great loss to the Lakeland community and beyond. His legacy as a pastor, leader, and advocate for justice will continue to inspire and impact generations to come. The community mourns the loss of a remarkable individual but celebrates a life well-lived and a faith that touched countless lives..
– Longtime Lakeland pastor Rev. Alex Harper
– Lakeland pastor Rev. Alex Harper.
