New Pastor Installed At Stanley First Baptist Church
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, First Baptist Church in Stanley celebrated the installation of Wayne “Ed” Holland, Jr., as its Pastor. Reverend Lori Dvirnak Lundblad, Associate Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches of the Dakotas, was the guest speaker and formally installed Ed as Pastor of First Baptist Church. Afterwards, the congregation celebrated the installation with a time of fellowship with a special cake being created for Ed and his wife Lisa.
Ed arrived in North Dakota in 2013 and began working in the oil industry driving a truck, with Lisa working at CENEX while volunteering at The L’il Ranchers Daycare. The Holland’s moved to Powers Lake and lived for several years. After driving a truck for a while, Ed went to work at a roustabout company where he later served as their Safety Director. Shortly after arriving in North Dakota, Ed had the opportunity to speak at a local church in Powers Lake and that began their journey to Stanley, and acceptance of the role of Pastor for First Baptist Church. Ed and Lisa currently reside in the parsonage adjacent to First Baptist Church.
Ed has had the opportunity to fill several different pulpits over the last few years as a substitute preacher. Accompanied by Lisa, they have had the opportunity to speak in several Lutheran churches (with an ongoing relationship with Faith Lutheran Church in Columbus), Lake Assembly in Powers Lake (their home church since arriving in North Dakota), First Baptist Church of Glenburn and First Baptist Church of Stanley. In 2023, Ed made the decision to concentrate on training/teaching and has held positions as Lead trainer in two companies. Besides his duties as Pastor for the First Baptist Church, Ed is also employed at Basin Safety and Consulting in Williston. Lisa serves as the Gate Guard at Watco in Tioga where she has been for the last four years.