Lynchburg is mourning the loss of a gospel singer who's music played an important role in one of the nation's largest churches.
Doug Oldham died this morning.
The 79-year-old was a longtime singer and praise leader at Lynchburg's Thomas Road Baptist Church.
He was one of the leading performers on the "Old Time Gospel Hour" with the late Jerry Falwell.
Oldham was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame in 2006.
Thomas Road pastor Jonathan Falwell says Oldham played a big part in growing his father's congregation and raising money in the early days of Liberty University.
"From those early days, all the way up until today, he's been this overwhelming presence in our church's history," says Falwell. "One of the spiritual foundations, a leader and pillar of the church."
A visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Oldham's funeral is Monday at 3 p.m. and will also be held at the church.
Thomas Road worship leader, Charles Billingsley, is setting aside other commitments to participate in the service.
"He asked me several years ago to sing at his funeral and I consider it one of the great honors of my life to be able to do that," says Billingsley. "Doug was a tremendous artist. A man who lived and breathed worship and music his whole life."
