In loving memory of Alabama’s Dan Ireland

In loving memory of Alabama’s Dan Ireland

Alabama Baptists prepare to say goodbye to powerhouse D.L. “Dan” Ireland, longtime minister and executive director emeritus of Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP), on Monday, Dec. 30.

Ireland died Dec. 24 at 89. He is survived by his wife, Polly; two children; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A pastor prior to his 30 years at the helm of ALCAP, Ireland befriended legislators and other elected officials as well as faith-based leaders across the state and nation. He and Polly built a legacy partnership in marriage and ministry that captured the attention of all who came into contact with them.

ALCAP Executive Director Joe Godfrey said, “Dan Ireland was a great mentor and friend to me personally. His work at ALCAP for 30 years and then assisting me for another 9 years as a volunteer made a lasting impact on the state of Alabama and, especially, the churches of this state.

“He was a powerful preacher of God’s Word and he lived out that Word every day of his life,” Godfrey said. “He will be greatly missed by all of us who were impacted by his life and ministry. We encourage everyone to keep his wife, Polly, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as other family members in your prayers.”

Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said, “Dan Ireland was one who was known as an encourager of others. I was one of those who was the recipient of his ministry of encouragement.

“Dan was a chaplain and a confidante to members of the state government, especially the state legislators. His ministry through ALCAP made an eternal difference as one who advocated for biblical values in our rapidly changing culture,” Lance said. “Dan served in a distinguished way as a state convention president decades ago.

He continued to be prominent in Alabama Baptist life even in his retirement.”

Arrangements

The funeral will be Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home with visitation prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral home address is 2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244.

To read more about Ireland’s legacy, click here.