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Veteran pastor leads church in interim
In the pulpit
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Dr. Douglas Holden is certainly no novice to the ministry. He has served in the ministry and as a pastor for more than 50 years. Currently, he is serving as the interim pastor at Allenhurst Presbyterian Church.
“Allenhurst Presbyterian Church is a healthy and happy church,” Holden said. “Bible study is held on Wednesday nights, and Sunday school is held on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. followed by worship service at 11 a.m. We have family night suppers the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.”
Holden has been the church’s interim pastor since November. He said he would like to see the church grow. “I want more people to know about the church. We preach the gospel and we are not ashamed of the gospel. My desire is to win people to Christ as I proclaim the gospel to a confused world,” the pastor said.
“The church is becoming involved in a mission to the children of Nicaragua. My adopted son, Breno Oliveira, who is from Brazil and is a missionary, just came back from his third trip to Nicaragua. During our fellowship dinner on May 19, he will give a PowerPoint presentation on his trip,” Holden said. Oliveira also is a student at Georgia Southern University.
The interim pastor has been involved in a dental mission in Costa Rica and has done mission work in Nicaragua, France and the Bahamas. “I have taken 14 pilgrimages to the Holy Land,” he said.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Duke University and St. Andrews University in Scotland, Holden has a doctorate in philosophy. He is also a writer and has served as an editor, professor and academic dean. He is the author of “Death Shall Have No Dominion.” He worked as a professor at the University of Kentucky, Ohio University and Marshall University. Holden was an academic dean at Andrews College and Wesleyan College in Virginia.  
He said he enjoys teaching, reading, traveling and writing. The pastor credits Pastor John Stott, an author, as being the mentor who led him to Christ. “A number of other mentors, pastors and professors have been inspiring to me,” Holden said.
“Allenhurst Presbyterian is the oldest church in Allenhurst. Members enjoy fellowshipping and having various programs and dinners. We have our annual Easter sunrise with breakfast, Valentine’s dinner, vacation Bible school and programs for the children,” the pastor said. The church also has an annual yard sale, which is scheduled for May 1.
Holden and the members of Allenhurst Presbyterian are gearing up for their 50 year church anniversary celebration in November. “The first service was held on July 4, 1943 with 37 people. Church services were initially held under a brush arbor,” said Gloria Moody, a longtime member of the church.
From 1943 until 1960, the church was called the Allenhurst Chapel. However, on Nov. 13, 1960, the Allenhurst Church was deemed a separate church organization by the Commission of the Presbytery of Savannah.
The public is invited to all of the church’s worship services at 30 Church St. in Allenhurst. Call 369-8999.

Anderson is the author of “Lack of Knowledge” and “Dare to Soar.”
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