[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 114 (Monday, July 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. JULIUS RICHARD SCRUGGS

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                          HON. PARKER GRIFFITH

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2009

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend Dr. 
Julius Richard Scruggs of the First Missionary Baptist Church in 
Huntsville, Alabama. This year he celebrates his 50th pastoral 
anniversary and his 32nd anniversary with First Missionary Baptist. Dr. 
Scruggs is a wonderful asset to the community and all of North Alabama.
  Rev. Dr. Julius Scruggs began his pastoral career at the age of 18 at 
Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Harvest, Alabama. He has been 
at First Missionary Baptist Church since 1977 and welcomed more than 
3,000 new members into the congregation during that time. Under his 
leadership, the church formed teams that have improved the community of 
North Huntsville through scholarship funds, health and recreation 
clinics, and jail ministries. Dr. Scruggs has also personally overseen 
multiple projects with Habitat for Humanity that have directly 
benefitted his area.
  Rev. Dr. Scruggs' leadership has been undeniably advantageous for 
Missionary Baptist Church's growth and development. Because of his 
vision and enthusiasm, he is a perfect candidate for President of the 
National Baptist Convention. The convention is being held during the 
second week of September, and I am honored to declare my support for 
this remarkable gentleman from North Alabama.
  Madam Speaker, I wish to express my extreme gratitude to Dr. Scruggs 
for his service to our community. As a former recipient of the Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. award and as Vice President at Large of the 
National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc., Dr. Scruggs serves as an 
example of leadership for us all. The Tennessee Valley appreciates his 
invaluable service in the ministry for half a century and his 
dedication to First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville for more 
than three decades.

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