Black History Month
IN HONOR OF OUR BROTHER
Rev. Dr. Julius R. Scruggs (2/1/1942 – 5/8/2024)
THE GOOD SHEPHERD ACCEPTED THE TORCH
Julius accepted the torch from his father, Rev. Earl Scruggs; his grandfather, Rev. Julius C. Scruggs; and ran with it. From the small community of Toney, Al, alone in the tranquil woods near our home, God called Julius to preach. He accepted the call and never stopped running until death. From Council T. School, to Pine Grove church, to American Baptist Seminary, to sit-ins in Nashville, to Vanderbilt University, to the presidency of the National Baptist Convention, to the White House (prayer breakfast leader), to First Baptist Church and the greater Huntsville community, Julius fulfilled God’s mission: Be a Good Shepherd. Through the grace of God, service and sacrifice, he molded and shaped First Baptist’s physical growth and spiritual maturity and left a legacy in the greater community. He was a good shepherd.
First Baptist is in transition now, but she still shines as a “burning torch” to people far and near because of Julius’ love of God, his servant-style leadership, his vision, his preaching, his teaching, his writings- How To Study and Teach The Bible has sold over twenty-five thousand copies; his integrity, and his love for the First Baptist church family, his family, and all humanity. You called him a “tender shepherd” who took his calling seriously. He carried the torch and the torch remains a-glow in that church and community.
Julius, you were a beacon of light for our family, the extended family, and the larger world family. Our problems and concerns were your problems and concerns; our sorrows were your sorrows; our joys and triumphs were your joys and triumphs; you sought God’s wisdom; you shared God’s wisdom with us; you prayed to God; you prayed with us and for us. Oh! How we miss you. You lie in that grave; we cry, but we smile because your spirit lives in our hearts. WE LOVE YOU. GOD LOVED YOU MORE.
Doris Scruggs Jackson, on behalf of the sisters and brothers: Dora, Rosa, Clara, Isaac, Charles W., Gary, the extended family. February 2, 2025
2025 Ministry Leaders List
AUDIO, VISUAL, AND MEDIA TEAM
Audio Directors
Video Directors
Video Co-Directors
Visual Directors
Brother Don Patton
Brother Stoney Massey
Connor Singleton
Deacon Darrell Quarles
Brother Dion Hose
Brother Jeremiah Williams
Brother Jacobi McGhee
Minister Diane Smith
Sister Ruby Banks
BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
Sister Alice Sams
Sister Veronica Richie
BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
BOY SCOUT LEADER
Chairperson
Sister Virginia Gilchrist
Sister Edna Coleman
Brother Jeff Rice
BROTHERHOOD CHORUS
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
Brother Angelo Coleman
Brother Anthony Briggins
Secretary Brother Jobe Belser
Treasurer Brother Barry Lowman
Chaplain Brother Huey Thompson
Librarian Brother Ronald Adams
BROTHERHOOD ORGANIZATION
Chairperson
Brother Enrico Hunter
Co-Chairperson Deacon Maurice Cowan
Co-Chairperson Brother Fred Frost
Membership
Co-Chairperson
Fellowship & Outreach
Brother Angelo Coleman
Secretary Brother Denver Betts, Jr.
Treasurer Brother Gary Jupiter
Devotion Leaders
Deacon Denver Betts
Reverend Stan Torain
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE
CE Coordinator
Sister Grace E Jones
Gen. Superintendent Minister Robert Clark
Adult Superintendent Minister Arnatta Poole
Youth Superintendent Brother Willie Brazile, jr.
Children’s
Superintendent
Sister Yonka Quarles
Secretary Sister Leadrester Granger
Wednesday Night TBD
Superintendent
Youth Missions Deaconess Malene McElroy
Superintendent
President, General Sister Mary Ann Flowers
Missionary Society
CIRCLE 1
Chairperson Minister Priscilla Montgomery
Co-Chairperson Deaconess Dianne Pidgeon
Secretary
Sister Sandra Palmore
Assistant Secretary Sister Brenda Carodine
Treasurer
Devotion Leader
Bible Leaders
CIRCLE 2
Chairperson
Sister Bertha Porter
Sister Thelma Townsend
Minister Priscilla Montgomery
Sister Dianne Pidgeon
Sister Bertha Porter
Sister Martha Roberts
Co-Chairperson Vacant
Secretary
Treasurer/Assistant
Secretary
Devotion Leader
Bible Leaders
Sister Marilyn Thompson-Moore
Sister Doris Carter
Sister Betty Brunson
Minister Mary Posey
Deaconess Lelia Gray
Sister Mary Ann Flowers
Photographer Sister Mamie Williams
CIRCLE 3
Chairperson Sister Virginia Gilchrist
Co-Chairperson
Sister Yvonne Holmes
Secretary Sister Grace E Jones
Assistant Secretary
Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer
Sister Charlotte Sharpe
Sister Bernice Massey
Sister Loretta Conley
BUS MINISTRY
Chairperson
Deacon Maurice Cowan
Co-Chairperson Brother Denver Betts, Jr.
Bible Leaders
Devotion Leader
Sister Virginia Gilchrist
Sister Grace E Jones
Sister Phyllis McMillan
Sister Pamela Owens
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
2025 Ministry Leaders List
Chairpersons Brother Anthony Briggins
Sister Danielle Briggins
Sister Sandra McCoy
COUNSELING COMMITTEE FOR NEW MEMBERS
Committee Members
Sister Sarah Drake
Deacon Donald Outland
Sister Christine Devo
Sister Zolia Shipman
Sister Timeka Smith (mentee)
Deacon Ministry
DAY SPRING CIRCLE
Chairperson
Sister Edwina Crum
Co-Chairperson Sister Mary Cotton
Secretary
Treasurer
Bible Leaders
Sister Tanya Thomas
Sister Marchetta Miller-Fontaine
Sister Sarah Drake
Sister Pamela Patton
DEACON BOARD
Chairperson Deacon Earnest Davis
Co-Chairperson Deacon Michael Scruggs
Church Clerk Deacon Willie Fitzpatrick, Jr.
Chaplain Deacon Ernie Robinson
Parliamentarian TBD
DEACONESS BOARD
Chairperson Deaconess Cheryl R. Davis
Co-Chairperson Deaconess Malene McElroy
Secretary Deaconess Carolyn Williams
Assistant Secretary Deaconess Vinetta Wesley
Chaplain Deaconess Willistine Betts
Assistant Chaplain Open
Parliamentarian Deaconess Joyce Oglesby
FELLOWSHIP OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Cairperson
Sister Patricia Benson
Co-Chairperson Sister Chinella Henderson
FMBC NEWS TEAM
News Anchors
Sister Kayla Hill
Sister Latoyia Clemons
Sister Kelli Curry
Sister Nicole Rainey
Brother Chris Robinson
Sister Erica C. Washington
Brother Jeremiah Williams
Sister Charis Long
Sister Devin Cowan
GIRL SCOUT LEADER
Chairpersons
GREETERS MINISTRY
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
Secretary
Sister Chana Johnson
Sister Katarina Johnson Ray
Sister Bettie Doss
Sister Marsha Pope
Sister Mary Griffin
Assistant Secretary Sister Wonda Billingsley
Chaplain
Sister Shirley Talley
HEALING TOUCH MINISTRY
Chairperson
Sister Wendi Williams
Co-Chairperson Deaconess Judy Edmond
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Treasurer
Sister Yvonne Holmes
Sister Lorraine Thompson
Sister Carolyn Campbell
Chaplain Deaconess Lelia Gray
INSPIRATIONAL VOICES OF PRAISE (IVOP)
President
Vice President
Sister Cathy Newby
Sister Vickie Jones
Secretary Sister Taunya Turner
Assistant Secretary Sister Madeline Hereford
Chaplain
Brother Marcus Perkins
Assistant Chaplain Brother Starcy Moore
INTERMEDIATE USHERS MINISTRY
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Treasurer
Chaplain
Chief Usher
Youth Advisor
Assistant Chief Usher
Brother Tony Branyon
Brother William Smith
Sister Chris Winston
Sister Doris Carter
Sister Shelia Nash-Stevenson
Sister Carol Woods
Brother Reggie Benson
Brother Reggie Benson
Brother George Myers
KEENAGE MINISTRY
2025 Ministry Leaders List
Chairperson Sister Marchetta Miller-Fontaine
Co-Chairperson Deacon Joseph Henderson
Secretary Deaconess Girtha Thompson
Assistant Secretary Sister Carolyn Lundy
Treasurer
Chaplain
Sister Barbara Blackburn
Sister Pearl Clark
Historian Sister Prudence Bryant
Parliamentarian Sister Bertha Porter
Event Chairperson Sister Prudence Bryant
KINGDOM SHIELD COMMITTEE
Chairperson Brother James Crenshaw
MARQUEE MINISTRY
Director Vacant
MARRIAGE MINISTRY
Co-Chairpersons Deacon Michael Scruggs
Deaconess Angela Scruggs
Secretary TBD
MEDICAL AID MINISTRY
Chairperson
Sister Ronke Oluwoye
Co-Chairperson Sister Dawn Horn
Secretary/Treasurer Sister Wanda McGhee
GENERAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
Sister Mary Ann Flowers
Sister Marilyn Thompson-Moore
Secretary Sister Thelma Townsend
Assistant Secretary
Sister Ronke Oluwoye
Treasurer Sister Patricia Benson
Assistant Treasurer
Chaplain
Bible Leaders
Sister Pamela Patton
Sister Pearl Clark
Sister Pearl Clark
Sister Virginia Gilchrist
Minister Priscilla Montgomery
Brother Denver Betts, Jr.
Deacon Maurice Cowan
PARKING MINISTRY
Chairperson Deacon Emeritus Willie Littlepage
Committee Members
Brother Miree Squire
Deacon Maurice Cowan
Deacon McCleney Greene
Brother Ronald Thompson
Brother John Wick
Deacon Allen Poole
PRAISE-N-MOTION
Chairperson Minister Arnatta Poole
PRISON/JAIL MINISTRY
Chairperson Rev. G. W. Lindsey, Jr.
Co-Chairperson TBD
PROJECT LOVE MINISTRY
Chairperson Deaconess Beatrice Vinson- Foster
Co-Chairperson
PULPIT COMMITTEE
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
Committee Members
Sister Cynthia Squire
Sister Brenda Carodine
Sister Kimberly Fitzpatrick-Young
Sister Thelma Townsend
Sister Sandra Williams
PULPIT HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
Coordinators Deacon’s Ministry
SANCTUARY CHOIR
Chairperson Brother Anthony Briggins
Co-Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Chaplain
Deacon Tommie Coleman
Sister Mary Spragins
Deaconess Willistine Betts
Sister Ada Wyatt
SENIOR USHERS MINISTRY
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
Sister Mary Joiner
Brother Jesse Cook
Secretary Brother Benjamin Long
Assistant Secretary
Treasurer
Chaplain
Assistant Chaplain
Chief Usher
Assistant Chief Usher
Sister Phyllis Williams
Sister Lavon Jennings
Deaconess Judy Edmond
Brother Roosevelt Conley
Brother Willie Aaron
Brother Michael Horry
SOCIAL MEDIA
2025 Ministry Leaders List
Ambassador Sister Erica Washington
Sunday School Department
General Superintendent
Adult Superintendent
Youth Superintendent
Children’s Superintendent
Secretary
Treasurer
TRUSTEES
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
Secretary
Committee Members
Ex officio
WITNESSING TEAMS
Minister Robert Clark
Minister Arnatta Poole
Brother Willie Brazile, Jr.
Deaconess Yonka Quarles
Sister Gale Stone
Sister Mary Hammonds
Sister Elizabeth Richardson
Deacon Maurice Cowan, Jr
Brother Darryl Pope
Sister Shelia Nash-Stevenson
Brother Jeffery Rice
Sister Stacy Langford
Sister Chana Johnson
Deacon Donald Outland
Brother Robert Davy, Jr.
Brother Enrico Hunter
Sister Gladys Ayokanmbi
Chairperson Deacon Charles Scruggs
WIDOWS MIGHT
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
Recording Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Chaplain
Historian
Sister Mary Cotton
Deaconess Lelia Gray
Sister Christine Debose
Sister Karen Waterford
Sister Bobbie Scott
Sister Cathy Newby
YOUTH ALIVE (CHILDREN’S CHURCH)
Committee Members
Sister Camille Scruggs
Minister Darlene Stanford
Minister Arnatta Poole
Brother Willie Brazile, Jr.
YOUTH COUNCIL
Chairperson
Co-Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Social Media Coordinator
YOUTH MINISTRY
Co-chairpersons
YOUTH ADVISORS
Committee Members
Brother Willie Brazile, Jr.
Brother Anthony Briggins
Sister Candice Hunter
Sister Jennifer Liner
Deaconess Malene McElroy
Sister Wanda McGhee
Sister Camille Scruggs
Brother Jacobi McGhee
Sister Kimberly Lewis
Sister Sahlom Long
Brother Eugene Tasie
Sister Selah McElroy
Sister Camille Scruggs
Deaconess Malene McElroy
YOUTH MISSION ADVISORS
Committee Members
Sister Patricia Benson
Sister Mary Ann Flowers
Deaconess Malene McElroy
Sister Martha Roberts
Sister Carol Woods
YOUTH USHERS MINISTRY
Co-Advisors
Brother Reggie Benson
Sister Patricia Benson
Celebrating African American Notables in Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama, has a rich history of African American notables who have significantly contributed to the community and beyond.
Among the early pioneers were Mary Binford, Ellen Brandon, and Celia Love, who grew up before 1901. These women played a vital role in fostering Black entrepreneurship and independence, creating opportunities for future generations to thrive in a challenging socio-economic landscape.
Building on this legacy were India Herndon and Lou Bertha Johnson, two younger women who actively fought against unfair laws and worked tirelessly to register voters. Their efforts were crucial in empowering the Black community and ensuring their voices were heard in the political arena.
In education, Lewis Baxter Moore emerged as a prominent figure. Born in Huntsville, Moore earned a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to teach at Howard University. His commitment to education
and mentorship has inspired countless students and educators alike.
The arts scene in Huntsville has also been enriched by local talents like John “Jahni” Moore, a Huntsville native known for his vibrant murals throughout the city, including those at Alabama A&M University. His work not only beautifies the community but also serves as a powerful expression of Black culture and identity.
In music, Brandie Inez Sutton has made her mark as a national touring opera singer, showcasing her talent on stages across the country. Similarly, Kelvin Wooten, a Grammy-winning artist, has gained recognition in the R&B and hip-hop genres, further highlighting the diverse musical heritage of Huntsville.
These individuals, through their dedication and creativity, have paved the way for future generations, ensuring that Huntsville remains a vibrant hub of African American culture and achievement. Their legacies continue to inspire and empower the community today.
References
Binford, M., Brandon, E., & Love, C.(n.d.). Pioneers of Black Entrepreneurship in Huntsville, Alabama*. Huntsville Historical Society. Retrieved from [Huntsville Historical Society](https:// www.huntsvillehistory.org)
Herndon, I., & Johnson, L.B. (n.d.). Fighting for Justice: The Legacy of India Herndon and Lou Bertha Johnson*. Alabama Civil Rights Museum. Retrieved from [Alabama Civil Rights Museum](https://www. alabamacivilrightsmuseum.org)
Moore, L.B. (2015). *The Impact of Education on African American Communities in Huntsville. Journal of Southern History, 81(2), 123-145.
Moore, J. “Jahni.” (2020). *Murals of Huntsville: A Celebration of Culture and Community. Huntsville Arts Council. Retrieved from [Huntsville Arts Council] (https://www.huntsvilleartscouncil.org)
5Sutton, B.I. (2021). From Huntsville to the World: The Journey of an Opera Singer. Opera America. Retrieved from [Opera America](https://www.operaamerica. org)
Wooten, K. (2019). The Evolution of R&B and Hip-Hop: A Huntsville Perspective. Grammy.com. Retrieved from [Grammy. com](https://www.grammy.com)
Huntsville History (n.d.). *frican American Heritage in Huntsville. Retrieved from [Huntsville History](https://www. huntsvillehistory.org/african-americanheritage)
A Message from the FMBC Pastor Search Committee
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We come to you with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation as we share a significant update on the work of the FMBC Pastor Search Committee. On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the committee held its inaugural meeting, where all eleven (11) members were present. With God’s grace and guidance, we embraced the solemn responsibility entrusted to us by the Church Body during the meeting on January 8, 2025. Our collective mission is clear—to identify and call a Good Shepherd for our beloved church, one who will lead us in healing, renewal, and spiritual growth.
As we move forward, we are ever mindful of the profound legacy left by our late Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Julius R. Scruggs. His vision, integrity, structure, and accountability—embodied in the acronym VISA—will be the foundational pillars upon which our work is built. His leadership
continues to inspire and guide us as we seek God's direction in this sacred task.
During our second meeting, held on January 22, 2025, we made important strides in our work.
We are excited to announce the following leadership appointments:
Chairperson Shelia Nash-Stevenson
Co-Chairperson LaFreeda Jordan
Secretary James Turnage
These dedicated individuals have been entrusted with these roles, and we believe they will lead the committee with wisdom and grace.
Additionally, during this meeting, we established a timeline for the search process and made updates to the application and announcement materials, which will soon be
shared with the congregation and the wider community.
How You Can Support Us?
We ask that you stand with the committee in prayer as we seek God’s wisdom and discernment. Beginning today, we invite you to join us in daily prayer at 4:30pm. Wherever you may be, let us unite as one body in prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit over this important assignment. We believe that through collective prayer, God will lead us to the right shepherd for our congregation.
Let us remember the words of the Psalmist: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1) Just as God has faithfully shepherded His people, we trust that He will guide us through this important transition and into a future filled with hope, renewal, and growth.
Thank you for your continued prayers, your support, and your trust in this process. Together, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will move forward in faith.
Brother Alton and Sister Mary Richardson celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary on February 28th.
has been appointed to the Alabama Humanities Alliance (AHA) Board of Directors. The AHA uplifts the humanities in the state of Alabama, champions grant making and programs that support storytelling, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.
February
(Joshua 3:5)
To be consecrated means being separated, sanctified and set apart for the Lord. Consecration is not just an isolated requirement for certain people - it is the divine call of God to every believer. To consecrate yourself is to draw closer to God and surrender to His plans and purposes.
You may have wondered what the point is of being set-aside for God. If you have a desire to get closer to God this year, please make plans to join the four-week February Bible Study series, "The Consecrated Life" led by Rev. Dr. Temple Richie.
Among Christians, the consecrated life may not a popular path, especially among those who claim, "It doesn't take all that." Unfortunately, consecration is widely misunderstood biblical principle that many Christians often avoid, to their own disadvantage. This four-week journey in the Word will examine the meaning, motivation, and methods of corporate and individual consecration.
Bible Study convenes weekly at noon and 6:30 p.m. Come and be richly blessed by the Word of God!
Brother Percy and Jessie Hawthorne celebrate their 64th year of marriage on Feb 13th
Brother Chris Robinson
