Rev. Dr. Fred Holbrook, Interim Pastor!

The Reverend Doctor Fred Holbrook joins the staff of Second Presbyterian Church as interim pastor. Fred is the final addition to the team during this time of pastoral transition. Please review this pastoral transition page on our website for details about this important process in the life of Second Presbyterian Church of Downtown Richmond.

Fred retired in July 2022 following three and a half years of service as interim general presbyter and stated clerk of the Presbytery of the James. He received a Doctor of Ministry in 1982 from Union Presbyterian Seminary with a focus on ministry with young adults. Pastorates have included Amity Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC; Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, Fishersville, VA; First Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, VA (interim); Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Overland Park, KS (interim); and First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA (interim during pastor’s summer sabbatical). From 2002 to 2014, Fred was executive director of Massanetta Springs Conference Center, Harrisonburg, VA. His wife Laura is a Christian educator who received her Master of Arts degree in 1980 from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union Presbyterian Seminary). She has served each of the churches as well as Massanetta Springs in both Christian education and program ministry. They have three adult children and their spouses plus six wonderful grandchildren! Fred is humbled to serve at Second Pres in a post-pandemic world and excited to be a part of this downtown ministry. He will be working closely with the pastor nominating committee as they trust the Spirit to guide them to the pastor and head of staff whom they will nominate to the congregation. As a pastor musician, Fred enjoys singing; playing 12-string guitar, the Great Highland bagpipes, tenor ukelele, mandolin, djembe, and other instruments; joining Laura in providing loving care for and laughing with their grandchildren; traveling internationally; and visiting as many national parks as possible in these amazing United States. 

We are so thankful that Fred has joined our church family as Interim Pastor!