February 2025 Communicator

February 2025, VOL 50 NO. 2

First Missionary Baptist Church

The Communicator

Black History Month IN THIS ISSUE

Note!

A TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. JULIUS R. SCRUGGS Page 2

2025 FMBC LEADERS LIST Page 4-7

HUNTVILLE'S AFRICAN AMERICAN NOTABLES Page 4-7

SCRUGGS ACADEMY UPDATES Page 9

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Page 11

I N HONOR OF OUR BROTH E R

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

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2025 Ministry Leaders List AUDIO, VISUAL, AND MEDIA TEAM Audio Directors Brother Don Patton Brother Stoney Massey Connor Singleton Video Directors Deacon Darrell Quarles Brother Dion Hose Video Co-Directors Brother Jeremiah Williams Brother Jacobi McGhee Visual Directors Minister Diane Smith Sister Ruby Banks BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE Chairperson Sister Alice Sams Co-Chairperson Sister Veronica Richie BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE Chairperson Sister Virginia Gilchrist Co-Chairperson Sister Edna Coleman BOY SCOUT LEADER Chairperson

Brother Jeff Rice

BROTHERHOOD CHORUS Chairperson Brother Angelo Coleman Co-Chairperson 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 Brother Angelo Coleman Fellowship & Outreach Secretary Brother Denver Betts, Jr. Treasurer Brother Gary Jupiter Devotion Leaders Deacon Denver Betts Reverend Stan Torain

BUS MINISTRY Chairperson Co-Chairperson

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Deacon Maurice Cowan Brother Denver Betts, Jr.

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 Sister Yonka Quarles Superintendent 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 Sister Bertha Porter Devotion Leader Sister Thelma Townsend Bible Leaders Minister Priscilla Montgomery Sister Dianne Pidgeon Sister Bertha Porter CIRCLE 2 Chairperson Sister Martha Roberts Co-Chairperson Vacant Secretary Sister Marilyn Thompson-Moore Treasurer/Assistant Sister Doris Carter Secretary Devotion Leader Sister Betty Brunson Bible Leaders 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 Sister Charlotte Sharpe Treasurer Sister Bernice Massey Assistant Treasurer Sister Loretta Conley Bible Leaders Sister Virginia Gilchrist

Sister Grace E Jones Sister Phyllis McMillan Devotion Leader Sister Pamela Owens

2025 Ministry Leaders List CONGREGATIONAL CARE 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 Sister Tanya Thomas Treasurer Sister Marchetta Miller-Fontaine Bible Leaders Sister Sarah Drake Sister Pamela Patton DEACON BOARD Chairperson Co-Chairperson Church Clerk Chaplain Parliamentarian

Deacon Earnest Davis Deacon Michael Scruggs Deacon Willie Fitzpatrick, Jr. Deacon Ernie Robinson TBD

DEACONESS BOARD Chairperson Co-Chairperson Secretary Assistant Secretary Chaplain Assistant Chaplain Parliamentarian

Deaconess Cheryl R. Davis Deaconess Malene McElroy Deaconess Carolyn Williams Deaconess Vinetta Wesley Deaconess Willistine Betts Open Deaconess Joyce Oglesby

FELLOWSHIP OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS Cairperson Co-Chairperson

Sister Patricia Benson 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 Sister Chana Johnson

Sister Katarina Johnson Ray GREETERS MINISTRY Chairperson Co-Chairperson Secretary Assistant Secretary Chaplain

Sister Bettie Doss Sister Marsha Pope Sister Mary Griffin Sister Wonda Billingsley Sister Shirley Talley

HEALING TOUCH MINISTRY Chairperson Sister Wendi Williams Co-Chairperson Deaconess Judy Edmond Secretary Sister Yvonne Holmes Assistant Secretary Sister Lorraine Thompson Treasurer Sister Carolyn Campbell Chaplain Deaconess Lelia Gray INSPIRATIONAL VOICES OF PRAISE (IVOP) President Sister Cathy Newby Vice President 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 Brother Tony Branyon Co-Chairperson Brother William Smith Secretary Sister Chris Winston Assistant Secretary Sister Doris Carter Treasurer Sister Shelia Nash-Stevenson Chaplain Sister Carol Woods Chief Usher Brother Reggie Benson Youth Advisor Brother Reggie Benson Assistant Chief Usher Brother George Myers

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2025 Ministry Leaders List KEENAGE MINISTRY Chairperson Co-Chairperson Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Chaplain Historian Parliamentarian Event Chairperson

Sister Marchetta Miller-Fontaine Deacon Joseph Henderson Deaconess Girtha Thompson Sister Carolyn Lundy Sister Barbara Blackburn Sister Pearl Clark Sister Prudence Bryant Sister Bertha Porter 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 Sister Mary Ann Flowers Co-Chairperson Sister Marilyn Thompson-Moore Secretary Sister Thelma Townsend Assistant Secretary Sister Ronke Oluwoye Treasurer Sister Patricia Benson Assistant Treasurer Sister Pamela Patton Chaplain Sister Pearl Clark Bible Leaders Sister Pearl Clark Sister Virginia Gilchrist Minister Priscilla Montgomery

Brother Denver Betts, Jr. Deacon Maurice Cowan

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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 Sister Cynthia Squire PULPIT COMMITTEE Chairperson Sister Brenda Carodine Co-Chairperson Sister Kimberly Fitzpatrick-Young Committee Members Sister Thelma Townsend Sister Sandra Williams PULPIT HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE Coordinators Deacon’s Ministry SANCTUARY CHOIR Chairperson Co-Chairperson Secretary Treasurer Chaplain

Brother Anthony Briggins Deacon Tommie Coleman Sister Mary Spragins Deaconess Willistine Betts Sister Ada Wyatt

SENIOR USHERS MINISTRY Chairperson Sister Mary Joiner Co-Chairperson Brother Jesse Cook Secretary Brother Benjamin Long Assistant Secretary Sister Phyllis Williams Treasurer Sister Lavon Jennings Chaplain Deaconess Judy Edmond Assistant Chaplain Brother Roosevelt Conley Chief Usher Brother Willie Aaron Assistant Chief Usher Brother Michael Horry

2025 Ministry Leaders List SOCIAL MEDIA Ambassador

Sister Erica Washington

Sunday School Department General Superintendent Adult Superintendent Youth Superintendent Children’s Superintendent Secretary Treasurer

Minister Robert Clark Minister Arnatta Poole Brother Willie Brazile, Jr. Deaconess Yonka Quarles Sister Gale Stone Sister Mary Hammonds

YOUTH COUNCIL Chairperson Co-Chairperson Secretary Treasurer Social Media Coordinator

Brother Jacobi McGhee Sister Kimberly Lewis Sister Sahlom Long Brother Eugene Tasie Sister Selah McElroy

YOUTH MINISTRY Co-chairpersons Sister Camille Scruggs Deaconess Malene McElroy

TRUSTEES YOUTH MISSION ADVISORS Chairperson Sister Elizabeth Richardson Committee Members Sister Patricia Benson Co-Chairperson Deacon Maurice Cowan, Jr

Sister Mary Ann Flowers Secretary Brother Darryl Pope Deaconess Malene McElroy Committee Members Sister Shelia Nash-Stevenson Sister Martha Roberts Brother Jeffery Rice Sister Carol Woods Sister Stacy Langford Sister Chana Johnson YOUTH USHERS MINISTRY Deacon Donald Outland Co-Advisors Brother Reggie Benson

Brother Robert Davy, Jr. Sister Patricia Benson Brother Enrico Hunter Ex officio Sister Gladys Ayokanmbi

WITNESSING TEAMS 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 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

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Celebrating African American Notables in Huntsville, Alabama

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untsville, Alabama, has a rich history of African American notables who have significantly contributed to the community and beyond.

and mentorship has inspired countless students and educators alike.

The arts scene in Huntsville has also been enriched by local Among the early pioneers were talents like John “Jahni” Moore, Mary Binford, Ellen Brandon, a Huntsville native known for his and Celia Love, who grew up vibrant murals throughout the before 1901. These women city, including those at Alabama played a vital role in fostering A&M University. His work not only Black entrepreneurship and beautifies the community but also independence, creating serves as a powerful expression of opportunities for future Black culture and identity. generations to thrive in a challenging socio-economic In music, Brandie Inez Sutton landscape. has made her mark as a national touring opera singer, showcasing Building on this legacy were her talent on stages across the India Herndon and Lou Bertha country. Similarly, Kelvin Wooten, Johnson, two younger women a Grammy-winning artist, has who actively fought against unfair gained recognition in the R&B laws and worked tirelessly to and hip-hop genres, further register voters. Their efforts were highlighting the diverse musical crucial in empowering the Black heritage of Huntsville. community and ensuring their voices were heard in the political These individuals, through arena. their dedication and creativity, have paved the way for future In education, Lewis Baxter Moore generations, ensuring that emerged as a prominent figure. Huntsville remains a vibrant Born in Huntsville, Moore earned hub of African American culture a doctorate from the University and achievement. Their legacies of Pennsylvania and went on continue to inspire and empower to teach at Howard University. the community today.

His commitment to education 8

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)

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A Message from the FMBC Pastor Search Committee

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reetings in the name of continues to inspire and guide shared with the congregation our Lord and Savior, Jesus us as we seek God's direction in and the wider community.

Christ. this sacred task.

How You Can Support Us? We come to you with hearts full of During our second meeting, held We ask that you stand with the gratitude and anticipation as we on January 22, 2025, we made committee in prayer as we seek share a significant update on the important strides in our work.

God’s wisdom and discernment. work of the FMBC Pastor Search Beginning today, we invite Committee. On Wednesday, We are excited to announce you to join us in daily prayer January 15, 2025, the committee the following leadership at 4:30pm. Wherever you may held its inaugural meeting, appointments: be, let us unite as one body in where all eleven (11) members prayer for the guidance of the were present. With God’s grace Chairperson Holy Spirit over this important and guidance, we embraced the Shelia Nash-Stevenson assignment. We believe that solemn responsibility entrusted through collective prayer, God to us by the Church Body during Co-Chairperson will lead us to the right shepherd the meeting on January 8, LaFreeda Jordan for our congregation.

2025. Our collective mission is clear—to identify and call a Secretary Let us remember the words of Good Shepherd for our beloved James Turnage the Psalmist: "The Lord is my church, one who will lead us in shepherd; I shall not want." healing, renewal, and spiritual These dedicated individuals (Psalm 23:1) Just as God has growth. have been entrusted with these faithfully shepherded His roles, and we believe they will people, we trust that He will As we move forward, we are ever lead the committee with wisdom guide us through this important mindful of the profound legacy and grace. transition and into a future filled left by our late Pastor Emeritus, with hope, renewal, and growth.

Rev. Dr. Julius R. Scruggs. His Additionally, during this vision, integrity, structure, and meeting, we established a Thank you for your continued accountability—embodied in timeline for the search process prayers, your support, and your the acronym VISA—will be the and made updates to the trust in this process. Together, in foundational pillars upon which application and announcement the power of the Holy Spirit, we our work is built. His leadership materials, which will soon be will move forward in faith.

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Brother Percy and Jessie Hawthorne celebrate their 64th year of marriage on Feb 13th

Brother Alton and Sister Mary Richardson celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary on February 28th.

Brother Chris Robinson 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.

Fe bruary Bi ble Study Se ri es "Th e Consecrate d Li fe" (Josh ua 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! 11

FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 3509 BLUE SPRING ROAD, NW | HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 35810