In the fall of 1960, he began his seminary training at the Practical Bible Training School in Johnson City, New York. On June 16, 1962 he married Betty Mae Peterman of Conneautville, Pennsylvania. She had graduated from Practical in 1959 but had returned there to work.
In the weeks prior to his 1963 graduation from Practical, Doug was called to candidate at the Jackson Summit Baptist Church in Jackson Summit, Pennsylvania. At that time, it was the little white church that sat next to Route 328. He was chosen to be the new Pastor, and after graduation he began his 47 plus years of service. Doug and Betty’s two children were born during those early years at Jackson Summit. Their daughter Valerie was born in the fall of 1964 and their son David the following fall, 1965. They stayed at Jackson Summit until June of 1969. Doug and Betty began the AWANA youth program. Many of today’s members and attendees were teens when the program began. They also worked at the Arrowhead Bible Camp in Brackney, PA and the Corning Bible Club Camp in Corning, NY.
In June of 1969, Doug and his family moved to Endwell, New York to begin as pastor of the Immanuel Baptist Church. He and Betty again began an AWANA program. They continued their work at the Arrowhead Bible Camp. Doug played Softball and basketball in a church league.
In March of 1974 the Hodge family moved to Centerville, Pennsylvania where Doug began his ministry at the Taylor Stand Bible Church. He served at this church for almost 4 years. In those years he hunted, golfed, and played softball. During this time, he attended and participated in the Dedication of the new Jackson Summit Baptist Church.
In January 1978, Doug and his family moved to Stuart, Florida. He had decided to take some time away from pastorate and took a job as a security officer at a nuclear power plant. He also worked as a appliance technician for Pal’s in Stuart. In less than a year, however, he received two letters, one from James Lain and one from John Comfort asking him to return to Jackson Summit as their pastor. He felt the call to return to the ministry and flew back to PA to be a candidate, He was called back by the church and Immediately after Christmas 1978, the family returned to Jackson Summit.
On the last Sunday of 1978, Doug began his second ministry at the Jackson Summit Baptist Church. He and Betty began the WAHA & SWAT youth programs. He has given the Baccalaureate address at many Williamson High School graduations. He has visited Haiti four times in support of the missions there. His grandchildren were born during this time, Tyler Hodge in 1994, Trevor Hodge in 1995, and Tanner Hodge in 2003. Early after returning, he played softball. He has also enjoyed fishing and golfing with friends in the community.
In these last 47 years, Doug has ached over of the passing of countless precious members and rejoiced in the welcoming of many that are new. He has been with the members of his congregation through days of celebration and happiness, and through days of difficulty and distress. He has held the hands of many with broken hearts and tears of sorrow. As you leave his service, you will always find him smiling, and waiting to shake your hand, kiss your cheek, and if you’re lucky enough to still be a child, hand you a piece of candy. The Jackson Summit Baptist Church is his family and he will be greatly missed by all.