Retired Alabama Baptist pastor R. Elmer Nielsen died Dec. 6. He was 88.
A graduate of Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham, Nielsen also earned master of divinity and doctorate of theology degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
While working on his degrees at New Orleans, he served churches in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.
Nielsen was called as pastor of First Baptist Church, Cullman, in West Cullman Baptist Association in 1958.
He served for more than nine years, during which time he led the church in a building program.
From there, Nielsen served in various ministry roles and was a missionary pastor to Singapore and Bangkok. He was executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program from 1967 to 1970.
He also served as pastor of Capitol Heights Baptist Church, Montgomery, and Woodley Baptist Church, Montgomery, both in Montgomery Baptist Association.
Nielsen conducted more than 125 revivals in his life and led 13 international tours, preaching in 11 different countries.
He served on the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions executive committee, board of trustees for Judson College in Marion and board of trustees for New Orleans Seminary.
After retiring from the ministry, Nielsen returned to Cullman and remained active in ministry. He served as interim pastor of 12 churches in Cullman County.
An active member of First, Cullman, he taught the televised Sanctuary Bible Class for many years.
Nielsen was also named pastor emeritus of First, Cullman.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Annie Lee, who passed away Nov. 5.
Nielsen is survived by four children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. (TAB)
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