Farewell To Reverend Doug Dortch

Doug introduces Judy after she was our bell-ringer at the last Sunday service of the season.

Farewell to Reverend Doug Dorch and his wife, Judy, as they have fulfilled their three-year commitment to lead us in worship here. When they arrived for Doug’s 2nd season in November of 2023, our 120-year-old building was being surveyed for a “lifting” exercise by Davey Shoring Co. Pastor Doug was unable to preach from inside the Chapel building until late that season. During their three years with us, Doug’s relaxed manner and positive attitude suited our recovering community well. Three hurricanes in two years had caused some major dislocations and called for an upbeat nature and resilient thinking. Doug and Judy were up to the task and led us as a congregation to greater efforts to rebuild our structures and our community. Click here to view Doug’s farewell video message.

Jim & Diane Miller & Dortchs, Doug & Judy

As our first Baptist preacher in many decades, we found Doug’s messages full of love, peace and good advice regarding living a Christian life as individuals and as members of God’s created community here.

Thanks to the Dortchs for their leadership and friendship. They will be back this November for a weekend of a reunion with other former ministers...see our featured article “A View from the Chapel Pulpit” also featured in the 2026 Summer Newsletter.