For nearly forty years, Gordon Gathright has been a pillar of the Hastings community. As a long-time youth pastor, he has dedicated his life to guiding and mentoring young people. Now, as he faces the final chapter of his life due to kidney and heart failure, his story stands as a testament to faith, love, and unwavering dedication to service.
Early Life and Calling
Gordon was born on November 7, 1951, in Harlingen, Texas. Raised in a devout Christian household, church was a central part of his upbringing.
“My mom insisted that we go every Sunday,” he recalled. “I was in church the first Sunday after I was born.” His mother’s commitment to faith deeply influenced him, setting the foundation for his future as a youth pastor.
Gordon grew up with two younger brothers in a town of about 20,000 people. The family’s home was close to their elementary school, allowing for a simple yet fulfilling childhood. His formative years were spent in Texas, where he remained until the age of 23.
Finding His Calling in Hastings
Gordon’s journey to Hastings began with an opportunity to serve as a youth pastor at the Methodist Church, thanks to Linda’s sister Natalie making the introduction.
“It’s been good here,” he said of Hastings. “The people in this town have been amazing, and their generosity is beyond words.”
One of the most remarkable aspects of Gordon’s time in Hastings was his involvement in Mission Mexico. This program, which began in the mid 80’s, saw churches across denominations come together to support missions in Juarez, Mexico. “We raised thousands and thousands of dollars,” Gordon said. “It was an ecumenical effort, something rare then and even now.”
For more than 20 years, Mission Mexico provided young people with a transformative experience, helping those in need while strengthening their faith. However, as safety concerns in Mexico grew in the early 2000s, the program was forced to shift its focus.
“It was really scary to take kids across the border,” he recalled. “We had to change the way we did things.” The mission eventually moved to the Dominican Republic, though Gordon himself did not participate in those trips.
Despite the challenges, Gordon remains proud of what the program accomplished.
“It was such a great ministry to the people of Juarez,” he said. “I believe it was the hand of God working through everything we did.”
A Life of Music and Love
Beyond his ministry, music has been a defining part of Gordon’s life. His family’s love for music has been passed down through generations.
“We’ve been singing and playing together for 50 years,” he shared. “That doesn’t happen very often.” His wife, Linda, a talented pianist, played a major role in nurturing the family’s musical talents.
Gordon and Linda’s story is one of faith and fate. They met through a Methodist Church event called Lay Witness Mission, a four-day revival in North Dakota. Gordon, a Texan, and Linda, from Minnesota, crossed paths in an unlikely place, but their shared devotion to faith and music brought them together.
“The person who was supposed to play piano didn’t show up, and both Linda and her sister Natalie played,” he recalled. That moment sparked a connection that led to their eventual marriage. Their courtship was a long-distance one, filled with handwritten letters and late-night phone calls.
“One phone bill was $400,” Gordon laughed. “My dad couldn’t believe anyone could talk that long.” Despite the miles between them, they were married a year after Linda’s first visit to Texas.
Together, they built a family rooted in love, faith, and music. They have three children—two daughters and a son—and seven grandchildren.
“All of our kids are musically talented,” Gordon said with pride. His son even plays in a local group, The Coxmen band, where Gordon occasionally joins in to sing.
For years, the Gathright’s maintained a unique family tradition—an annual concert for the residents of Oak Ridge Senior Living. “Other families play games when they get together, we do a concert,” said their daughter Bekah Peterson. The entire family, including the grandchildren, has carried on this musical legacy.
A Legacy of Love and Service
Even as Gordon’s health declines, his spirit remains strong. His life’s work has left an indelible mark on Hastings, touching the lives of countless young people.
“I can’t think of enough ways to say thank you to this community,” he said. “Their generosity and support have been overwhelming.”
His faith, family, and music have sustained him through the years, and his legacy will live on in the lives of those he has impacted.
“I’ve had an incredible life,” Gordon said. “And for that, I’m truly grateful.”
A Community Pastor
Gordon's influence extended beyond youth ministry. Over the years, he has officiated numerous weddings and funerals, often at the request of those whose lives he had touched.
"People come and say, ‘Will you do my wedding,’ and it’s a lot of weddings and funerals," he recounted. "It’s been an extra special blessing to be able to enjoy the lives of so many people."
Even after leaving the Methodist church, Gordon continued his pastoral work, serving in various interim roles and eventually becoming the chaplain at Augustana, now Cassia, where he continued to make a difference.
"I’ve had lots of ministries, and for the most part, I’ve been able to make a difference in the lives of the people I came in contact with."
A Final Message to Hastings
When asked what message he would leave with the community, Gordon responded with characteristic humility and faith: "Being a child of God is one of the most important things I’ve been able to share with people. It has made a huge impact on my life, and I’ve been so blessed to see how kids’ lives were changed for the good. Nothing better, as far as I’m concerned."
Even in the face of serious health challenges, Gordon's gratitude remained unwavering. After battling kidney failure and worsening heart issues, he remains thankful for the time he has left.
"I don’t know how much time I have, but I’m thankful for everything I’ve been able to do," he said. "I woke up this morning, got to see a new day, and enjoyed so much of what I’ve done today. That’s a gift."
Surrounded by family and a community that cherishes him, Gordon’s legacy is one of love, service, and faith. His impact on Hastings will live on through the lives he has touched, the weddings and funerals he has officiated, and the many young people who found guidance through his ministry.
As he puts it, "I’ve been with people in their last hours and sat by the bedside of many. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to do that. It’s a sweet, sweet gift."
Having recently lost my father, as the sun sets on the life of Gordon Gathright, it is difficult not to feel like Hastings as a whole is losing a father figure. He has been an influential, instrumental, trusted adult for so many of Hastings youth and a positive force for the entire community over the last four decades, for that, we all thank you. His story is one of devotion—to his faith, his family, and his community. And for that, Hastings will always be grateful.
