August 2025 Communicator

AUGUST 2025, VOL 50 NO. 8

First Missionary Baptist Church

The Communicator

IN THIS ISSUE Member Highlights FROM THE OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER Page 3

SCRUGGS ACADEMY UPDATES“““–– Page 4 - 5

WHAT'S HAPPENING CHURCH HISTORY AT FMBC Page 10 Page 6 - 9

MEMEBER HIGHLIGHTS Page 11

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Ms. Nicole Stokes, Head of School

One Team...One Dream: Building Tomorrow's Leaders Together

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s we stand on the threshold of another incredible school year at Scruggs Academy, our hearts are filled with anticipation and purpose. This year's theme, "One Team...One Dream," perfectly captures the spirit of unity and shared vision that drives our mission to provide exceptional Christian education to our students.

Our dream is bold: to see every child who walks through our doors equipped not just with academic excellence, but with the character, faith, and leadership skills that will transform their lives and communities. But here's the beautiful truth – this dream can only become reality when we work together as one team.

A New Way to Join the Mission Today, we're excited to introduce our new Donation Tier program, designed to make it easier than ever for our church family to become active partners in shaping young lives. Whether you're able to contribute $5 or $50 a month, every gift matters and every supporter has a vital role to play.

Eaglet Supporter - $5/month Even our youngest eagles need strong wings to soar! For the cost of a coffee each month, you'll receive our monthly newsletter filled with student achievements, art showcases, and heartwarming thank-you letters that 4

will remind you of the direct impact your generosity creates. Plus, you'll be featured in our social media highlights, showing our community the faces behind the mission.

Talon Defender - $25/month Strong talons protect what matters most.

Your monthly investment not only includes all Eaglet benefits but also provides quarterly merchandise like wristbands, hats, and t-shirts that let you proudly display your commitment to Christian education.

When you wear these items, you become a walking testimony to the transformative power of investing in children's futures.

Golden Eagle Elite - $50/month Golden Eagles soar highest because they have the strongest foundation.

Elite supporters receive everything from previous tiers, plus reserved seating at our special events and an exclusive invitation to our end-ofyear dinner. This is where you'll hear firsthand testimonies from students whose lives have been changed through your faithful support.

The Time is Now With the new school year just weeks away, we have an incredible opportunity to start strong. Every teacher hired, every program launched, and every life touched depends on the faithfulness of supporters like you. When you set up a recurring monthly donation, you're not just giving money – you're joining a movement that's raising up the next generation of Christian

leaders.

One Team...One Dream isn't just our theme: it's our calling. We're one team of teachers, parents, students, and supporters united around one dream – to see God's kingdom advanced through education that transforms hearts and minds.

The students walking into our classrooms this fall are tomorrow's pastors, teachers, business leaders, and world-changers.

They're watching to see if we believe in them enough to invest in their future.

Let's show them that when God's people unite around His purposes, mountains move and dreams become reality.

Take Action Today Visit our website or email jrscda@ fmbc.org to set up your monthly donation. Choose the tier that fits your heart and budget, knowing that every dollar goes directly toward creating an environment where faith and learning flourish together.

Remember, this isn't about what you can afford to give – it's about what we can accomplish together. One team, one dream, one mission. The future starts now, and it starts with us.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21 Ready to join the team? Contact jrscda@fmbc.org or visit our website to get started today!

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Our History Formation of the Church in the Latter Half of the 19th Century: In the late 1800s, a group of Christian families from Aberdeen, Mississippi, settled in Huntsville, Alabama.

Within this group were the Herndon, Turner, and Furlow families. Shortly after settling here, they began searching for a Baptist church to unite and start worshiping. Much to their dismay, they found no Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville. With this discovery, their strong faith in God and the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit led them to secure an old house on West Clinton Street. This house was the first location of the First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Robert Green in 1880. It is worth noting that some of the descendants of these first families still live in Huntsville and carry on their family's legacy within First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC).

In 1881, shortly after the formation of the Church, Reverend Pope Jones became the Pastor. During his pastorate, services were held in the United States Court Building each Sunday at three and seven o’clock P.M. Reverend Jones later started a building program.

With assistance from the Muscle Shoals Missionary Baptist Association, the Church purchased a lot on Steele Street to construct a new facility. Construction of the new church began in 1886. The church would be erected under the leadership of Reverend Jones and Reverend M.J. Hooks.

Between 1888 and 1949, First Missionary Baptist Church emerged as a “stronghold” in the community.

During these formative years, many ministers would play significant roles in guiding and shaping its future.

The Reverends A. Trampe, A. Jones, J. Hampton, S. Robinson, J. Miller, J. Mastin, C. Perry, J. Butler, A. James, W. Walton, W. House, O. Tucker, Matthews, and E. Drew were among those demonstrating their ability to be strong shepherds for God’s people. Many accomplishments were achieved under their spiritual leadership.

The Church at Mid-20th Century Through the early 1900s, the Church underwent several adjustment periods as it grew and matured. However, the previous pattern of “brief pastoral stints” would end in 1949. God sent the Church a strong anchor and 6

Our History blessing in the young, gifted, and well-prepared preacher, Reverend Horace P. Snodgrass. Reverend Dr. Snodgrass held the Bachelor of Theology and Doctor of Divinity degrees from the American Baptist Theological Seminary and Selma University. He came to the Church with a “vision” and a “program”. His twenty-four-year tenure would enable the Church to experience a period of true stability.

On July 29, 1973, after serving First Baptist Church for nearly a quarter century, sadly and shockingly, while officiating at a funeral in his beloved pulpit, Reverend Dr . Snodgrass was called from labor to his final reward.

After mourning, the Church called its pastor, Reverend Emuel E. Cleaver, who had been serving as Assistant Pastor. During his pastorate, renewed emphasis was placed on the financial responsibility of individual members. The membership responded positively.

Because of the positive response, the Church was able to liquidate its indebtedness and begin planning for a new, modern church facility. Reverend Cleaver remained as Pastor until the last quarter of 1975.

Again, the Church was faced with deciding on its leadership. After a long and prayerful search, “the call” was extended to the Reverend Dr. Julius R. Scruggs.

Reverend Dr. Scruggs accepted but could not begin his pastorate until January 1977. During this interim period, Reverend Wayne P. Snodgrass (the youngest son of Reverend Dr. Horace P. Snodgrass) served as pastor. A new parsonage was bought and paid for under his leadership. A growing spirituality seemed to permeate the Church and encompass this period as First Missionary Baptist looked forward to the arrival of its new pastor.

The Church in the Last Quarter of the 20th Century As scheduled, Reverend Dr. Scruggs came to First Baptist in January 1977. He possessed superb academic credentials, holding a B.A. degree from American Baptist College and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. His seventeen years of pastoral experience greatly enhanced his academic credentials before coming to First Baptist.

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Our History During Pastor Scruggs’ forty-two years of pastoral leadership, he molded and shaped the church's thrust of Christian Education, outreach ministry, stewardship, physical growth, and spiritual maturity. His conviction to promote a stronger, teaching church resulted in the addition of several classes being added to the Sunday School Department. Likewise, Bible classes for all ages were taught each Wednesday night. As a result of Bible Study, Sunday School, and biblicallybased preaching, a consciousness of reaching people for Christ escalated. Pastor Scruggs understood the importance and impact of Christian Education in the early years of a person’s life. With this understanding as the basis, a licensed Child Development Center (FMBC CDC) for children 2 ½ years of age through kindergarten was instituted in 1982. In 1992, the CDC expanded to include an academy (FMBC CDCA) serving children from the first through the fifth grade.

The name was later changed to the Julius R. Scruggs Child Development Center and Academy(JRS CDCA ).

Under the direction of competent Christian Directors, teachers, staff, and other personnel, the scholars develop spiritually, academically, socially, and morally.

At JRS CDCA, academic achievements continue to be recognized and celebrated daily.

The Church in the 21st Century In 2019, after 42 years of distinguished leadership and ministry, Pastor Scruggs retired as spiritual leader of the congregation. Upon his retirement, the church congregation honored him with the distinguished title of Pastor Emeritus.

Once again, the Church sought new leadership to carry them into the future. The Reverend Dr. Don Darius Butler was called. Reverend Dr. Butler is a native of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. His academic preparation was extensive. Reverend Butler held a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Theology from American Baptist College, a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from Duke University Divinity School. As a pastor, Reverend Butler was passionate about missions and outreach, community engagement, and social justice.

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Our History In 2020, a new virus, COVID-19, brought normal activities to an abrupt halt! Schools, places of business and even churches were forced to close their doors.

Pastor Butler and the ministerial team increased the social media presence to ensure the Word of God was taught and preached throughout the Pandemic.

When churches were allowed to reopen with minimal attendance, Sunday Church Service and Bible Study continued for those unable to attend in person via FACEBOOK, BoxCast, and YOUTUBE. During his tenure, Pastor Butler led the congregation to add to the church’s missions work a Lenten mission project, SO SEND I YOU, Inc. giving over $67,000 to that cause. This project serves to help in easing the pain and suffering of needy people around the world. Pastor Butler’s leadership has challenged the congregation to “think outside of the box,” making room for ideas that include every disciple member. As a part of his commitment to community engagement, the Church increased its ministry to its neighbors in the surrounding community. Pastor Butler’s leadership ended in September, 2024.

First Missionary Baptist finds itself again seeking new pastoral leadership. We continue in ministry under the guidance and power of God’s Holy Spirit, as He works through our ministerial, diaconate, trustee, and lay leaders, and the interim-pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. W. Temple Richie, Jr. Our arms and hearts are wide open and ready to receive the permanent leader God has for us that our service to Him, our local community and beyond, will continue to expand and bless.

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member highlights

Brother Michael & Sister Gladys Ayokanmbi celebrate their 33rd anniversary on August 15th.

Deacon Issac and Deaconess Judy Edmond, Jr., celebrate their 56th anniversary on August 23rd.

Brother Ernie and Sister Mary Robinson Celebrate their 56th anniversary on August 9th.

Congratulations to Tamica Baugh our financial Comptroller who graduated from Athens State University with a Masters of Accountancy this July!

Dr. Letisha (Brazile) Jefferson, daughter of Willie and Janice Brazile, is celebrating the release of her debut children’s book, Zoe’s Day with Dr. J. A board-certified pediatrician, wife, and mother, Dr. Jefferson blends her medical expertise with her deep love for children and storytelling to create a heartwarming and empowering picture book designed to ease children’s fears about visiting the doctor.

To learn more about her book and her efforts to promote early childhood wellness and literacy, visit www.learnplaywithdrj.com.

Deacon Denver Sr & Deaconess Tina Betts celebrate their 55th anniversary on August 9th.

Brother Denver Jr. & Sister Dana Betts, celebrated their 27th anniversary on July 25th.

Brother Arthur and Sister Rose Henderson celebrate their 57th anniversary on August 10th

Rev. Dr. W. Temple & Mrs. Veronica Richie, Jr., celebrated on their 10th anniversary on June 6th.

Brother James and Sister Karen Turnage celebrate their 29th anniversary July 27th.

Brother Robert and Sister Elizabeth Ware celebrate their 65th anniversary on August 16th.

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FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH RENOVATION PROJECT CONSTRUCTION REMINDERS!

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F I R S T M I S S I O N A RY BA P T I S T C H U R C H 3509 BLUE SPRING ROAD, NW | HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 35810