In an effort to encourage some of the young adults to become more active in the church, the late Sister Laverne Ledbetter and Sister Lucille Chavous and some others thought of forming a club. It was decided to ask the church’s permission to organize a club in memory of Pastor B.W. Watkins.
At the annual church meeting in January, 1977, Sister Chavous asked permission of the church to organize the Booker Washington Memorial Club. To better define the purpose of the club, it was decided that its main focus would be to provide financial assistance to deserving college bound students from the church membership. At that time the name was changed to Booker W. Watkins Memorial Scholarship Club. In February, permission was granted for the organization of the club.
In the same year a special memorial service, chaired by Sis. Louella Ward was held for the unveiling of the portrait of the late Reverend Watkins, which now hangs in the narthex. A six member committee comprised of the late Sister Kathryn Whitehead, Chairperson, Sisters Cordelia Gale-Thompson, Karen Fisher-Dailey, Majorie McLain, the late Violet Stephens, and the late From 1977 through 1982 four continuing scholarships were granted to: Leslie Alexander, Brian McGhee, Steven Bradley, and Karen DeBeary-Carrothers and a five-year scholarship to Nicole Gaines-Thompson. A two-year scholarship was given to Tonya Harper-Grobes.
In 1983 we re-organized our scholarship fund to enable us to give financial assistance to all college bound members of First African Baptist Church. Since then and to the present time, with the help of our church family and friends, and with proceeds from our catering venture, the B.W. Watkins Memorial Scholarship Ministry has provided financial aid to more than 522 students, totaling approximately $599,000.00.
Under the leadership of five presidents: The late Deacon George Eldridge, Jr. Sisters Elline Hanna-Thornton, Cordy Gale-Thompson, Latrisha W. Simminger and the current Ministry Leader, Sister Joyce Barnes, we have under-taken the task of perpetuating a living memorial to a man who has influenced and shaped the lives of many. A motivating force for education and growth, he urged each Christian to strive for and to reach his/her full potential. We, the Booker Washington Watkins Memorial Scholarship Ministry wish to pass on this great legacy by serving the young people of First African Baptist Church. With the help of God and our church family we are striving toward that goal.
