HJR72 Summary

• Welcomes Reverend Dr. Don Darius Butler as the new pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, succeeding Reverend Dr. Julius R. Scruggs who served since January 1977 for 42 years.

• First Missionary Baptist Church is in its 138th year of ministry and maintains an active presence in the Huntsville community with partnerships across local, state, and national organizations.

• Reverend Butler earned a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology from American Baptist College in Nashville, Tennessee; a Master of Divinity and certificate in Black Church Studies from Vanderbilt Divinity School; and a Doctor of Ministry from Duke Divinity School.

• Before joining First Missionary Baptist Church, he served as senior pastor of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for nine years, where he led ministry revitalization and expanded the church's local, national, and international outreach.

• The legislature commends Reverend Butler for his service and extends gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the community; the resolution was adopted by the House on April 4, 2019 and the Senate on April 16, 2019.