Julius Richard Scruggs was born in Elkton, TN to Reverend and Mrs. Earl Scruggs, Sr. and reared in Toney, AL. He is a graduate of Council Training High School in Huntsville, AL. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree at American Baptist College in Nashville, TN, he also completed requirements for the Master of Divinity (M. Div.) and Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) degrees at Vanderbilt University School of Divinity in Nashville, TN.
 
His pastoral experience began at age 18 at Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church (Harvest, AL) where he served 1960-1965. From 1965-1972, he pastored the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church (Nashville, TN). He continued to follow the Holy Spirit's call and pastored the Antioch Baptist Church (East Chicago, IN) from 1972 to 1977. Since January 1977 he has been the shepherd of God's people at First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville.
 


 

Dr. Scruggs has authored four books:

• Meditations on the Church
• Baptist Preachers with Social Consciousness: A comparative study of Martin Luther King Jr. and Harry Fosdick
• God is Faithful
• How to Study and Teach the Bible
  

He is a man of deep social consciousness, which is apparent in his contributions to religious and community causes. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at American Baptist College, former board member of the Selma University and former President of the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention (President Emeritus). Locally, he is a former member of the Huntsville Human Relations Commission; member and former president of the Greater Huntsville Interdenominational Ministerial Fellowship (GHIMF); and provides advisory support to a wide range of community movements.
 

 


On September 9, 1999, Dr. Scruggs was elected Vice President-at-Large of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. As a part of the leadership team, he has helped to bring vision, integrity, structure, and accountability to the largest African American church organization in the nation.
 


 

His accomplishments have been recognized in "Who's Who in Religion," "Outstanding Young Men in America," and "Personalities in America Hall of Fame." Additionally, he is the 1998 recipients of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award presented by GHIMF and Alpha Phi Alpha Award recipient.
 


 

Dr. Scruggs is a much sought-after minister for his biblically-based, doctrinally sound, and life-centered preaching and teaching. His servant-leadership style and his personal integrity have molded and shaped the thrust of First Missionary Baptist Church's Christian Education emphasis, outreach ministry, stewardship commitment, physical growth and spiritual maturity.
 


 

During his more than thirty years in the pastorate at First Baptist, he has led the church in giving to Home and Foreign Mission causes annually. The church has built and paid for 2 houses in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, allocated funds annualy to the program, and members of the church have assisted in building twelve other Habitat homes.
 


 

But, even more significant than Dr. Scruggs' many pastoral accomplishments and academic credentials, is his genuine love for the people of God. He is a "tender shepherd" who takes his calling seriously.
 


 

He is married to the former Josephine Stewart Tipton and they are the proud parents of a daughter, Jennifer Juliette Scruggs and a son, Rev. Morris E. (Marty) Tipton II. They have three grandchildren: Morris E. Tipton III, Morgan Taylor Tipton, and Elizabeth Francina Scruggs.