More than 250 family and friends of the late Bishop William Gordon gathered in October 2010 to dedicate the plane and exhibit installed in his honor. They sang hymns in Inupiat and Athabascan dialects, laughed, and shared warm memories with the Bishop’s wife Shirley and their children Bill, Paneen, and Anna who were all on hand for the dedication.
Bishop Gordon arrived in Alaska in 1943. During his 30 years of service, the Bishop logged hundreds of thousands of air miles ministering to congregations throughout the state. The sound of his plane buzzing a community became a frequent and welcome greeting. “We weren’t excited about church, we were excited about donuts,” joked the Rev. Anna Frank.
“He loved his work and the people he met along the way,” said his wife Shirley. “And he was loved in return.” We hope the sight of the Bishop’s plane hanging in our lobby reminds those who visit the Center to celebrate and strengthen the ties that bind Alaska’s diverse people.
A special Friends of the Flying Bishop plaque will list the names of businesses and individuals who make a donation to the Center in honor of the Bishop. For more information, call 907.459.3701 or email info@pmg.txv.mybluehost.me.