Despite the sudden and tragic loss of their lead pastor, Allan Todd, the congregation and staff of Lighthouse United Methodist Church will continue with their plans for the pre-grand opening this Saturday and first worship services this Sunday in Peachtree City.

Todd, 44, died suddenly and unexpectedly last Thursday. He had worked on the formation of the church during the past year. Associate Pastor Shannon Karafanda said Lighthouse was Todd’s “dream” and the congregation and staff felt he would be “very disappointed” in them if they didn’t continue with the opening.

The pre-grand opening will be Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10 a.m. until noon at the McIntosh High School parking lot and will include free activities such as live music from House of Thomas, inflatables for all ages, and a live remote from radio station J93.3.

The grand opening worship service will be Sunday Aug. 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the McIntosh High School theater.

An official statement from the church stated, “Even though we are sad about the passing of our lead pastor, the congregation feels called to be faithful to the vision of service, hospitality, covenant, and spiritual growth that we have always dreamed about for this innovative church. Our staff — Associate Pastor Shannon Karafanda, Worship Team Leader Kirk Ketcham, Youth Minister Kevin McInturff, and Administrative Assistant Kathy Willix will work together with the congregation in team leadership for an interim period of time until a new lead pastor can be appointed by the bishop of the North Georgia United Methodist Conference.”

Todd was a minister in the United Methodist Church, having served as senior pastor, associate pastor and youth minister in several metro Atlanta churches over the past 19 years.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Pamela Todd of Peachtree City, his daughters, Abby and Hannah Todd, also of Peachtree City, his mother, Susie Todd of Gainesville, Fla. and an aunt, Janie Autz of Dallas, Texas. A memorial service was held Sunday in Peachtree City.