One of the more difficult questions to answer in someone’s life is determining when it’s time to retire. This can become an extraordinary challenge when it pertains to a church pastor and first lady.
Senior pastor Dr. John S. Fountaine and first lady sister Dorothy R. Fountaine recently announced their retirement after serving over 26 years at First Baptist Church, 3585 Courthouse Road, Heathsville.
In the spring of 1997, the Fountaine family answered the call to mentor parishioners at First Baptist Church. Dr. Fountaine opened many and varied doors of ministry, including preparing and preaching sermons each week, Bible studies, teachings, church membership and annex expansions, radio and social media outreach ministries, presiding weddings and funerals and fulfilling numerous administrative duties and responsibilities, reported Carol Yerby.
God called Dr. Fountaine to walk with him, first as a person, a husband, a father, grandfather and friend— then as a pastor. He and D. Fontaine give thanks to the Lord that they were able serve the parishioners of First Baptist Heathsville, the first established African American Baptist church in the Northern Neck. “It’s an honor and privilege to be cherished,” said Dr. Fountaine.
On August 11, Dr. Fountaine will deliver his farewell sermon during the 10 a.m. worship service. The couple will still be busy. They own and conduct a global human resource consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. They also are adjunct professors at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
A Tribute to a Power Couple
More than a quarter century back a couple crossed over Virginia-DC and Northern Neck area terrains. Who were they, you ask?
They were none other than Dr. John and First Lady Sis. Dorothy Fontaine.
He answered the call to be a pastor and community leader.
His companion and First Lady God gave him and us couldn’t have been any sweeter.
The power couple allowed God to use them for their mighty works… To encourage souls to Christ during their service at historic First Baptist Church.
They traveled the highways and roads from either Richmond or D.C. To be on hand Sundays at FBC preaching praying and leading souls to Calvary.
The O.A. Brinkley Banquet Hall, mass choir, radio and social media ministry were formed And the accommodating of St. Stephens Anglican Church are just some of the charms… That God has illuminated while the Power Couple was here.
During the past 26 years, a lot of learning, teaching, and preaching was done.
Some storms the couple endured…But they prayed, endured trials tribulations and they won!
The Power Couple now embrace whatever God has in store for First Baptist Church. The affiliate ministers and officers are willing workers, and they know how to put God first.
It has been God’s grace, mercies, and love to allow the power couple to retire from pastoring and their Sunday morning traveling endeavors. But their love for First Baptist will be forever!
