The Rev. Alexander Anderson, the pastor at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in De Soto, got his first ride on a motorcycle last month as part of a parade his congregation held to celebrate his 45th anniversary as a priest.
Anderson, 70, of De Soto said he was shocked the church members went to the trouble of organizing the parade, which was held May 24 and included close to 100 vehicles.
“I was dumbfounded by it,” Anderson said. “I came out of Mass thinking I was done for the day and there was a parade waiting for me. It was both very encouraging and very humbling at the same time. I was very, very, very much surprised by it, but it was a nice effort on their part, and I appreciated it very, very much.”
A Desoto Police Department vehicle led the parade, which began at the church courtyard, 504 S. Third St., and proceeded along Miller Street to Main Street, ending at 100 N. Main St. Another police vehicle blocked oncoming traffic for the parade.
The parade was made up of parishioners who decorated their vehicles with posters and balloons.
One of the church’s newest deacons, Terry Baldwin, brought his motorcycle to the parade and persuaded Anderson to hop on the back, and the two rode behind the police escort during the procession.
“I’m glad it was only once,” Anderson said. “It’s pretty good to wait until you are 70 to ride a Harley.
St. Rose of Lima’s congregation is made up of 500 families.
“It’s always something new each day,” Anderson said. “You meet so many wonderful people who are so helpful and kind. They certainly make up for all the others you have to deal with sometimes.”
Anderson has been the pastor at St. Rose of Lima for 12 years. Before that, he was the pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Eureka for 16 years.
He grew up in south St. Louis and went to St. Louis Preparatory Seminary South, Cardinal Glennon Seminary and Kendrick Seminary.
Anderson has served at eight churches during his 45 years. His first assignment was at St. Pius V Catholic Church in south St. Louis.
“It’s a very fulfilling life doing what God has asked you to do,” Anderson said. “It’s kind of a privilege not to have to be distracted by earning a living and all those different things: mortgages, children, marriage and all that everyone else has to put up with.”
Anderson said his work as a priest is important.
“There is a classic statement about priests,” he said. “The job of a priest is to bring God to people and to bring people to God.”
His parishioners appreciate his service on behalf of the congregation, said Dorothy Schlett, who organized the parade, along with fellow parishioner Chloe Declue.
“He is the best priest we have ever had,” Schlett said. “He has done so much for us. If you need something, he is always there.”
The women said they wanted to thank Anderson for all he has done for the church and for keeping the church connected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anderson shares Mass on Facebook and has been personally calling his parishioners to check in on them.
During his time at St. Rose, the congregation has paid off the church’s debt, built a new recreation building and replaced the windows in the school, Schlett said
She said the parade was a success and while Anderson may not have cried, it made his eyes water up.