Over the last 50 years, Reverend Cook has faithfully tended
to the spiritual needs of his congregation and surrounding
community, while building his own family at home. As a
young man, he promised his Creator that he would always
strive to be a good provider for this wife and children,
including providing a good education as the foundation for
future success. He has enjoyed, and considers it a privilege,
to serve both his home and church families and is so
thankful for the opportunities he has been given.
Over the years, Reverend Cook has proudly seen both his
wife and daughter, Betty, earn master’s degrees, his son,
Doug, Jr., earn a doctorate degree, and his youngest son,
Joshua, serve his country while also taking advanced study.
Choker Sons (1962), Two Sons of God (1977) and a one-
act play, He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Needs
(2000). Of everything Cook has accomplished over his
lifetime, he cites his children and grandchildren as his
greatest accomplishment. The family was saddened by
the recent passing of his beloved daughter Betty Cook-
Duncombe, who served as Director of the Young People
Ministry and the ministry of Christian Education.
To his great surprise and honor, as he marked the 50-year
milestone of ministry with his Jordan Grove Missionary
Baptist Church family, Reverend Cook received an Honorary
Doctorate degree in Divinity from Atlantic Coast College
and Theological Seminary. He was presented with the
EDUCATION IS KEY
degree by his son in a ceremony in January witnessed by his
Reverend Douglas Cook has often been called a visionary church family and friends in the ministry. This unexpected
with a preaching style that naturally emulates that of a recognition could not have come at a more perfect time.
wise teacher and elder. To deepen his understanding of After half a century of biblical teaching, writing and living
the gospel and scriptures, he has twice traveled to the Holy the word, we can finally call him Reverend Doctor Douglas
Land. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, getting Cook, Sr.
an understanding of his life on earth, washing his face
in the River Jordan as Jesus had, going to his birth place With a legacy that is sure to endure for generations to
– are all experiences that have inspired Reverend Cook come, Reverend Cook looks forward to establishing an
and deepened his understanding of the word. As such, he academic scholarship in memory of his daughter to help
has been able to translate his experiences into his writing, a new generation of future leaders attain an education.
teachings and preaching.
He has been blessed to see two major dreams of his come
true – to achieve 50 years of pastoral service, and now the
Despite never having the opportunity to attend college, attainment of a doctorate degree in divinity to match his
Cook has used his writing ability to author two books, lifelong experience. God has been good.