Share your condolences and thoughts with the Scruggs Family. In times of loss and grief, words can provide comfort and solace to those mourning. Through heartfelt messages, shared stories, and words of empathy, we aim to honor the memories of Pastor Emeritus Scruggs. Join us in this space of remembrance and compassion as we journey through our grief together.
Through my Military Service, I was allowed to gain more training in my MOS and left my home station in Fairbanks, Alaska, and traveled to the Red Stone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Upon arriving in Huntsville and getting settled for my 6 weeks of training, I immediately asked the Staff at Red Stone, "Where is a good Church for me to attend on Sunday", to which a nice middle-aged man told me, "You want to go to First Missionary Baptist Church on Blue Spring Road." It was from that experience that I met Dr. Julius R. Scruggs. From that moment, he became my Ministry Mentor as a Young Man and Minister. That was in the Spring of 1988. We remained very close friends until Dr. Scruggs answered his beloved Lord's call for Heavenly Rewards. I loved Dr. Scruggs and next to my own Father, I respected no man as highly as I did Dr. Scruggs. I have been made better as a husband, father, grandfather, and Pastor because I spent time with Dr. Scruggs through the years. May our Lord Jesus continue to honor Dr. Julius R. Scruggs's faithful service for many years until we meet in Heaven someday. I Love You, Dr. Scruggs! Coop Pastor Wayne C. Cooper Pasadena, California
First Missionary Baptist Church has suffered a huge loss. Pastor Scruggs was well respected in the church community and the community as a whole. He served the office as pastor with the up most respect, integrity, and honor. He will be greatly missed.
To Everyone who has passed along condolences and kind words of love and remembrance of Dad, we say Thank You. Always remember God CAN be trusted in ALL things.
Jennifer J. Scruggs on behalf of our entire Family. 💜
Beautiful are the feet of those who spread the gospel. I pause today to celebrate one of God's generals in the army of the Lord Jesus Christ! Rest in peace Pastor Julius Scruggs! And to my sisters and brothers of First Missionary Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL, I mourn with you and I declare today "the Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord cause HIS face to shine upon you and give you peace." This is my prayer for you... and it comes with much love.
Elder Pamela Calhoun
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church,
Atlanta, GA
Deeply saddened today as we say farewell to Pastor Scruggs.
Pastor Scruggs baptized me when I 6 years old while attending the Dr. Julius R. Scruggs Child Development Center & Academy. What I admired most about Pastor Scruggs was his ability to love while holding you accountable. Seeing his face was always a reminder to strive to be a better Christian everyday.
I was raised in this church from birth. I was baptized by Dr. Scruggs in 1974 during vacation Bible school . No matter where I lived, First Baptist was always my home. Singing in the sunbeam choir with Jennifer, Valarie, Sophia, and Jocelyn was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Dr Scruggs was a man of integrity, and high moral standing. He believed in the future for us as children, as well as the compassion and concern for every member in our congregation. I thank God for my grandmother, the late Rebecca Jones Russell, for bringing me to this church. Your legacy can't be summed up in one service, but I do know it will live on forever. Ride on King Jesus, and we will see you in the morning Pastor Scruggs 🙏🏾🕊
RESOLUTION
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13.
WHEREAS: It has pleased Almighty God to call the soul of our beloved brother,
DR. JULIUS R. SCRUGGS., Pastor Emeritus, First Missionary Baptist Church and Past President, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc on to his reward where he will join that great cloud of witnesses in heaven.
AND WHEREAS: Our beloved brother was a reverent man of prayer who loved the Lord and was committed to the word of God. Dr. Scruggs’ devotion represents a servant of God who served joyously in the vineyard and knew “life is fleeting and only God’s eternal Kingdom stands forever”.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That his passing has left you with a broken heart; be encouraged and consoled for he hath said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”.
BE IT RESOLVED: That President, Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, the officers and members of the Western Baptist State Convention of California, Inc., extend our heartfelt sympathy and love to Sister Josephine Scruggs and the entire Scruggs family; and the First Missionary Baptist Church, assuring you that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution is placed in the permanent records of the Western Baptist State Convention of California, Inc. and one submitted to the family. Done by the order of the President of the Western Baptist State Convention of California, Inc., this Seventeenth Day of May, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Four.
Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick
President
Dr. Scruggs was one of God's best. His legacy will not be forgotten. His years as our President of the National Baptist Convention, USA showed us that God is a faithful God. May he now rest in the arms of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
My heart is heavy, yet my spirit is grateful, reflecting on the profound impact of a life well-lived. Pastor Scruggs was not merely my Pastor; he was a guiding light, a pillar of unwavering support through every joy and sorrow.
His dedication was unparalleled. No life event passed without his comforting presence, his steadfast care. I recall the gentle rebuke for not sharing with him a simple surgery that I had. My father passed on his birthday; he spent that birthday at my house comforting me, a reminder of his boundless commitment to prayer and care, down to the smallest detail.
He embraced all with a warmth that spoke of God's love. Today, amidst tears, I find solace in thanking God for Pastor Scruggs's life intersecting with mine. Every memory now cherished, every lesson profound.
Well done, faithful servant. Rest now in eternal peace, knowing you are etched in my heart forever. Though you've departed, your legacy endures—a testament to a life devoted to God. You will be missed, yet never forgotten.
Erlene Adams
Rev Dr. Scruggs was a great servant of the Lord's church. I was honored to serve as Assistant Secretary during his tenure as President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. I shall never forget flying into Huntsville for a meeting. Instead of sending someone to pick me up, he did it himself. REST WELL, MR PRESIDENT.
Pastor James B. Blassingame
Mount Zion MBC, Sumter,SC