Courtesy of Carlos Medley
Key Points
- James R. Doggette Sr. received the key to Apopka city on August 22 after 10 years as senior pastor at Patmos Chapel. Mayor Nick Nesta proclaimed August 22 as Dr. James R. Doggette Sr. Recognition Day.
- During his Patmos tenure, Doggette led community outreach including a food pantry serving 1,200 households monthly and aiding 8,000 in early 2026.
- James R. Doggette Sr. is leaving Patmos Chapel to return to Oakwood University to help establish a Doctor of Ministry curriculum.
After 44 years of pastoral ministry and academic leadership, James R. Doggette Sr. is beginning another chapter – but not before the city of Apopka recognized the decade he spent serving the local community.
Doggette, senior pastor of Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church for the past 10 years, received the key to the city during an Aug. 22 service at The Well Activity Center.
Mayor Nick Nesta presented Doggette and his wife, Erin, with a proclamation recognizing his ministry and community service. Nesta also proclaimed Aug. 22 as Dr. James R. Doggette Sr. Recognition Day.
Doggette is leaving Patmos Chapel to return to Oakwood University in Huntsville, Ala., where he previously served as a professor of practical theology. His new responsibilities will include helping establish a Doctor of Ministry curriculum.
During his career, Doggette served congregations in Louisiana, Arkansas, California, Ohio, Alabama, Texas and Florida and spent 20 years teaching at Oakwood University.
His tenure at Patmos also included community outreach through the church and The Well Activity Center. A food drive and community pantry established in 2020 now serve about 1,200 households each month. More than 8,000 households received assistance during the first seven months of 2026.
Hundreds of pastors, former students, colleagues, public servants, family members and others attended the service. The church also prepared a time capsule containing memorabilia commemorating his ministry.