Birth date: Feb 22, 1935 Death date: Jul 21, 2020
Davidson--Douglas W. Oldenburg, former senior minister of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and progressive leader in the Presbyterian Church-USA, died on July 21, 2020. He was 85 years old. Skilled in the art of diplomac Read Obituary
Hi Claudia, my cousin Bert Carmichael told me of the passing of your husband Doug. I want to express my deepest condolences to you. I remember very fondly working with you when I worked part-time at the Friendship Force. You were always so helpful and kind. I hope your sons & their families are doing well. Take care Claudia.
David Faulkner
Doug was a beloved mentor during my Student-In-Ministry year from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte in the late 1970s. He led seminars for our group one day a month. I will never forget his candor with respect to being a pastor, his thoughtful pastoral presence, and the seriousness of his personal stewardship. He pondered even small financial decisions with an eye towards prudence and faithfulness. For example, at lunch with us one day he spoke about his decision to not buy a leaf blower and to continue to use a broom because a leaf blower was such an extravagance!
Thanks be to God for his life and ministry among us. His works do follow him. --Rev. Dr. John B. Hartman II, Pastor, Seneca Presbyterian Church, Seneca, SC.
Doug Was such a gracious gentleman...he will be greatly missed by his Pines’ family.
Sarah and E.B. Dyer
It was a joy to meet Doug during my days as a student at Union Seminary in Richmond. While he was at Covenant in Charlotte, I was campus minister at Davidson; while he was President of Columbia Seminary, I was pastor of a nearby congregation; when he was elected Moderator of GA, I happened to be a commissioner; and since 2002 we served together again in the Presbytery of Charlotte. He was a confidant, mentor, encouraging friend, a steady and genuine pastor-theologian who profoundly had a heart for the needs of others and was never too busy to listen. One of the highlights of ministry for me was to share in the wedding service of Claire and Todd. Doug exemplified Philippians 4:4-8. May we trust the Resurrection, as he continues to share life with us in the communion of saints . Rush Otey
Claudia, I will always remember Doug as a man who lived what he believed and shared those values by example.He will sorely be missed but I feel very lucky to have known both of you. Bob
Claudia, I have always remembered you and Doug (and Mark and Scott) with great fondness. I especially cherish memories of you leading the children's choir. Talk about herding cats. You and Doug have made the world a better place. Peace be with you during this time.
Gregory Pugh, Lynchburg, VA
Just a correction to my story below. Spell check got my word and misspelled anecdote. Thought I should offer a correction to that second paragraph.--Jeff Aiken
Claudia, Todd and other members of the Oldenburg family. First let me say how sorry we are to hear of Doug’s death. Doug was certainly one of the most outstanding leaders in the PCUSA. He was an intellectual giant who had a huge heart for those experiencing social injustice--a gifted preacher, exemplary church statesman, pastor and friend to so many. It was always a treat to be in his presence whether hearing him as a guest preacher in churches I served, at CTS gatherings or on the golf course (getting the best of me when he was a 9 handicapper). Through his great brilliance, he could be humorous and serious at the same time.
Allow me one antidote. Once when I was president of the alumni association of CTS, Doug and I were standing on the front lawn of the Columbia church waiting for the keynote speaker to arrive for the service to begin at 7:30 pm. At 10 till 8, with the congregation waiting inside, Doug was fuming saying, “I told that guy to let me send a car and driver, but he said he wanted to rent a car. I just knew he would get lost coming from the airport!” Then Doug looked at me and said, “Jeff, you know you will have to preach if he doesn’t show up in the next 10 minutes.” Fortunately, for both of us and the waiting congregation, the speaker arrived at 5 till 8.
What a rich and full life Doug lived. Libby joins me in extending deepest sympathy to all of you.
Jeff Aiken
