Rev. King A. Butler

On January 17, 1930, King Albert Butler was born to Coy and Annie Butler. He was the youngest of five children. Following his sibling’s footsteps, he quickly learned to speak and stand up for himself, which in later years became a strong characteristic! ‘Al’ as he was known in Philly accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior during Sunday school. He was baptized at nine years old at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church where he was nurtured spiritually. Al graduated from West Philadelphia High School, where he participated on the basketball and cross country teams. He attended North Carolina A & T for two years. In 1950 the Lord blessed him with a loving and faithful wife, Margaret. From this union of 63 years five children were born. His love for the sports of cross country, track and field were present in sermon illustrations and always passing along pointers to young athletes to further develop their abilities. Watching the Penn Relays was an annual Butler family tradition. Rev. Butler had a servant’s heart, always reaching out to mentor younger men in ministry. His quick wit, sense of humor and amazing memory contributed to his way of reaching others. In 1956 he answered the Lord’s call to preach the gospel. He was faithful and full of zeal in street meetings, home bible study, prison ministry, radio, publications writer for Eternity, Moody Monthly, American Sunday School Union, Christianity Today and Urban Ministries, Inc. He received his minister’s license at Zion Temple Baptist Church of Philadelphia and was ordained at Nazarene Baptist Church in 1960 under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. William L. Banks. He served as an associate minister, camp director and groundskeeper of Nazarene Center (93 acres). Rev. Butler’s journey included pastoring St. John Baptist Church of Lake Lure NC and camp director of Mullen Bible Camp. Being obedient to the call, he relocated to Michigan and served as pastor of Pioneer Baptist Church of Kalamazoo in the mid 60s. Later Bible Baptist Mission was formed, grew and Bible Baptist Church was founded! Through his faithful service in ministry lives were changed, healed and flourished. His years of public ministry and servanthood came to a close with an honorary doctorate degree from Carver Bible College of Atlanta GA. Yet, his love for the Lord remained as he remained burdened for souls at Heritage, Heartland and Maple Creek facilities. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosella Hogan and grandson Anthony Butler. He will be lovingly remembered by Margaret, his wife and children: Cynthia, Valerie (Rev. Charlie) Selmon, Jr., Albert, Jr. (Tee), Sandra Matthews, and William (Syrina); 2 brothers Coy and Anthony Butler; 1 sister, Wylene Bryant; eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Rev. King A. Butler

January 17, 1930 - August 31, 2013