Alexander Gordon was born in Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1873. He graduated with a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity degrees. In 1903 he was ordained, followed by Pastorates at various churches from 1903-1924. While in Lethbridge, he supervised the building of the 2nd Knox Presbyterian Church in 1908. In 1911, he became a member of the Alpine Club, a Canadian organization devoted to climbing, and mountain culture and the ecology. He had a mountain named in his honor in 1916.
Alexander was on active service with the Canadian Army from 1916-1918 and was one of eleven chaplains assigned to go to the front in the rank of Captain. He was attached to the 4th Division. He was later promoted to Major in 1917. Gordon received the Distinguished Service Order, the Military Cross and was also made a Companion of The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and St George in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. He died in July 1965.