Fred Douglas Holmes was a highly-respected preacher in Norfolk, Virginia. Holmes was born in Salisbury, NC on March 15, 1882, to Alexander and Eliza Holmes. After high school, Holmes attended Livingston College for three years. He worked during his college breaks to help pay for his tuition.

Holmes knew at an early age that his work in life must be in ministry, although briefly, he thought about a career in medicine. After completing his theological work at Livingstone College, Rev. Holmes joined the A.M.E. Zion Conference in 1911. He later relocated to Thomasville, where he preached for one year, he was then transferred to the Virginia Conference and was assigned to the Portsmouth Station for three years.

He was also sent to Berkeley, VA for two years, where he made extensive repairs in house of worship where he preached. Under his ministry and direction, several new houses of worship were contructed

Holmes was also an served as an educator and taught for two winters in the Rowan County, N.C. He also taught in Norfolk, VA briefly. He was married to Fannie Minter, of Sanford, N.C.

sources:

https://archive.org/stream/historyofamerica05cald#page/494/mode/2up/search/Stokes