West Side minister follows in his father’s footsteps

For Jared Holland, who recently became part-time minister of music for West Side Baptist Church, Jacksonville, the phrase “following in your father’s footsteps” has literally played out in his life and ministry.  

Tom Holland, Jared’s father, has served in churches across the state in part-time minister of music positions and recently retired from the same position at West Side Baptist. 

Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Jacksonville State University and a master’s in music education from the University of Montevallo. He then served in part-time roles at First Baptist Church, Sumiton; First Baptist Church, Dora; Westside Baptist Church, Jasper; Oak Park Baptist Church, Huntsville; and Gladeview Baptist Church, Anniston, among others.

Jared also earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Jacksonville State. He later earned a master’s degree in school administration from the University of Alabama.

While Tom served in music ministry he worked as a band director at high schools across the state including Dora High School, Lee High School in Huntsville and Weaver High School until he retired in 2002. 

And Jared now works as the band director at Weaver High, where his father retired.

West Side’s pastor Ken Phillips said, “It has been a blessing and joy to serve in the ministry with Tom Holland.”

And as Tom retired earlier in 2014, “the church and choir at West Side warmly received Jared’s leadership … and invited Jared to fill the position,” Phillips said. 

Tom and his wife, Colleen, have three children and 10 grandchildren. The couple now sings in the choir at West Side and Tom said he hopes that although he is retired, he and Colleen can “make a difference in church members’ lives, the lives of other people in our community and try to make the Lord’s work vibrant and even fun.”