In 50 years as a minister, Harper Shannon has accumulated a wealth of resources that would be invaluable to any preacher.
He now hopes other pastors will take advantage of his experience through a collection of his writings housed at the Harper Shannon Pastoral Library at First Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove.
“I want people entering the ministry to have the opportunity to glean from my years of experience,” said Shannon during the dedication of the library Oct. 8.
Included in the library are books on theology written by Shannon and other authors, his college and seminary term papers, sermon notes, commemorative plaques, certificates of recognition and bound volumes of bulletins from the five churches where he has served as pastor.
Hanging among his other diplomas is an honorary doctorate of divinity from Samford University awarded to Shannon in 1968.
The walls are lined with mementos of Shannon’s evangelism efforts.
Ebony carvings from a trip to Nigeria are on display, along with a silver tray and a handmade gavel received in recognition of his work with the Southern Baptist Convention.
Shannon began his ministerial career at First Baptist, Pleasant Grove, more than 50 years ago when he was 17.
At the time, the church was known as Harmony Baptist and he was a student at Howard College, now Samford University.
“My ties are deep at the old Harmony Baptist Church and the residential community of Pleasant Grove,” Shannon said. “The church was my first pastorate. They nurtured and encouraged me as a young pastor and person.”
Shannon’s career includes 32 years in the pulpit and 12 years with the State Board of Missions (SBOM) as associate to the executive secretary treasurer and director of evangelism.
“His passion to have people come to know Jesus Christ has left a legacy for all future evangelism directors in the state,” said current SBOM director of evangelism Sammy Gilbreath.
Encouraging beginning pastors to keep a record of their ministry, Shannon said “one of the finest things” he received as a young pastor was a pastoral record book presented to him at his ordination Oct. 2, 1949. In the book, Shannon has kept meticulous records of every sermon, funeral, marriage ceremony, baptism and church addition for the more than five decades he has served in the ministry.
“I’m grateful to the Lord for all open-door opportunities I’ve had to help other ministers,” Shannon said.
Steve Echols, pastor of First Baptist, Pleasant Grove, said, “You could find larger libraries, but the quality of Dr. Shannon’s collection is the focus.
“He’s a pastor’s pastor and an amazing scholar,” Echols said. “He has things you can’t find anywhere else.”
Echols said the library will be used as a resource for young ministers. Shannon has agreed to conduct seminars at the church instructing new ministers and giving guidance as they begin to fulfill their call to serve.
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