In Huntsville, two First Baptist churches are making it one of their first priorities to reach across racial lines and come together for worship and fellowship.
Huntsville’s First Baptist Church and First Missionary Baptist Church met recently for a joint service, continuing in what has long been a biannual tradition for the two congregations – combining congregations and swapping pulpits and choirs.
For the two churches- one predominantly black and one predominantly white- the services are a combination of love and bridge-building, said Ralph Langley, former pastor of First Baptist.
Years ago, during his hospital visitation, Langley befriended a member of First Missionary Baptist diagnosed with terminal cancer. Through the friendship of the two, the churches became closer.
And when his friend finally succumbed to cancer, Langley performed his funeral alongside Julius Scruggs, pastor of First Missionary Baptist.
Afterward, since Scruggs had shared his pulpit with Langley, Langley offered the same to him. And according to Langley, the rest is history.
The rich bond is a legacy David Hull, now pastor of First Baptist, Huntsville, said he’s happy to continue. Under Hull’s leadership, First, Huntsville, in continuing the effort to strengthen the fellowship and service between the two congregations.
“I am thankful I have inherited such a wonderful relationship between our church and First Missionary Baptist Church,” Hull said. “The seeds of cooperation and fellowship that were planted many years ago by Julius Scruggs and Ralph Langley have provided a special opportunity for our two churches today.”
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