Shock and sadness reverberated across Alabama and beyond on Thursday following the death of the Rev. Harry Reeder, senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, in a Shelby County crash.

Reeder, 75, who served as the 4,000-member church’s senior pastor since 1999, was remembered by clergy, religious leaders, church members and elected officials as a “great leader” whose death leaves a “giant hole” in the Presbyterian Church of America.

“Harry was a stalwart for the faith and a genuinely gracious man. I pray for his wife & family and for the church he so dearly loved and led,” said Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler.

Zachary Groff, pastor at Antioich Presbyterian Church in South Carolina, called Reeder a ”man of immeasurable worth and kindness.”

“We lost one of whom the world is not worthy,” added pastor Nick Batzig. “Harry was like a second father to so many of us. He was one of the wisest, most gifted, and thoughtful pastors of our lifetime. He is now in the presence of the Christ he faithfully proclaimed.”

Birmingham-based Evangelical leader Scott Dawson said Reeder was a “great leader, but an even greater man of God. I rejoice for him (experiencing heaven) but grieve for his family and all of us who knew him.”

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Hoover, is a member of Briarwood Presbyterian.

“Dr. Reeder was more than a pastor, he was a dear friend, mentor, and a man who understood and exemplified godly leadership. Harry had an enormous impact on the lives of countless men and women.” the congressman tweeted. “I will miss his teaching and his friendship, but I’m confident in knowing that one day I will see him again. Ann and I are praying for his family during this time.”

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said Reeder was looked up to by many Alabamians “for spiritual guidance throughout the years, and his absence will be deeply felt.

“Praying for comfort for his family, church family, and friends in the days to come,” the senator said.

Said Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth: “Praying for the Reeder family and the entire Briarwood Church family,”

Kevin Blackwell, director of Samford University’s Ministry Training Institute, said he was praying for Reeder’s family, adding that the senior pastor’s “ministry legacy will continue for decades to come.”

Colin Andrade, a Presbyterian pastor, said: “I feel hopeless when I think of the giant hole Harry Reeder’s death leaves in the church. How can we prevail against darkness when we suddenly lose one of our best? Then hope returns when I remember ‘In Christ alone, my hope is found…here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.’”

Fred Greco, senior pastor at Christ Church, a Presbyterian church in Texas, remembered Reeder as a was a “good friend, fine pastor, fervent evangelist, and follower of Christ.

“He will be missed,” Greco said.

Harris Bond, a church planter in Louisiana, said he crossed paths with Reeder.

“My time in Alabama as a young pastor was greatly encouraged by this man,” Bond said. “Praying for entire family and for Briarwood.”