By Tracy Agnew/Suffolk News-Herald
Tracy.agnew@suffolknewsherald.com

HOLLAND — The new pastor of Mount Sinai Baptist Church has only been there three months, but he’s already seeing some great changes.

The Rev. William L. Lang was asked to fill a pulpit that had been vacant for 18 months when he got the call.

“It’s been a journey for me being called to the ministry,” he said. “Five years ago, God had asked me to prepare myself to be a pastor.”

Lang said he got into the ministry because he was called by God. He stayed because of his love for people.

It is that love for people that makes him fit right in at Mount Sinai.

“Mount Sinai is a church that’s filled with love,” he said. “I feel like I belong, like this is where God wanted me to be.”

Lang is only the ninth pastor at the 143-year-old church in a rural area outside Holland. His predecessor stayed for 25 years.

“These first three months have just opened my eyes to a lot of things I see God’s already doing here at Mount Sinai Baptist Church,” Lang said. “It’s not a church I’ve had to come in and work very hard at a lot of things. Nothing’s really broken, so it doesn’t need fixing.”

Lang said he does hope to help invigorate the youth program and rebuild attendance among the membership, which numbers around 500. However, only about 100 attend on most Sundays, according to James O. Daye, who chaired the pastoral search committee.

“We’re very excited to have him here,” Daye said. “Great things are happening already at our church.”

Lang said his favorite duty so far has been getting to know the people.

Dorothy E. Hart, who also served on the search committee, said Lang had all the qualities they were seeking.

“He’s a people person,” she said. “That is just so wonderful for our congregation. He’s really been wonderful.”

Hart said she already has noticed more young people attending services.

Lang will be installed as pastor during a three-day celebration June 24-26. On that Friday, the church will host a banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn with guest church Union Bethel A.M.E. from Maryland.

On Saturday, a pre-installation celebration will be held at the church, with guest churches from the community, including Laurel Hill United Church of Christ, Piney Grove Baptist Church, Allen Grove Baptist Church and Corinth Chapel United Church of Christ.

On Sunday, the weekend will conclude with the Rev. Dr. Milton Liverman of East End Baptist Church as the guest at the morning service and the Rev. Dr. Mark Croston of East End as the guest in a special afternoon service.

For more information, call the church at 657-6212.