The Rev. Dr. Julius Scruggs, Immediate Past President of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., beloved Pastor Emeritus, and former Senior Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, at the age of 82.

"Pastor Emeritus Scruggs was a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and he has made known the love of God to us. As we process the shock of his unexpected transition, our hearts are united in grief and loss, even as we draw strength from the faith we share — a faith we shared with him. Let us remember Lady Josephine Scruggs in prayer, along with Jennifer and Reverend Marty, the grandchildren, and the entire Scruggs family. Indeed, God remains faithful," First Missionary Baptist Church wrote in a statement issued on social media.

Rev. Dr. Scruggs' service spanned multiple organizations. He was a Board Member of the NAACP, a former Board Member of Selma University, and he also sat on the Board of Trustees at American Baptist College, and many other organizations. He served numerous congregations throughout his more than 50 years of ministry and led various domestic and foreign service initiatives, including those focused on housing, health, and education.

Learn more about the faithful leadership and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Julius Scruggs here.