Reverend Doctor Ernest Humphrey

Ernest Humphrey, son of the late Lake and Sarah Humphrey was born on April 9, 1914 in Valdosta, Georgia. He received his formal education in the public school system in Valdosta, Georgia. While living in Georgia, growing up, and becoming a young man, he met the love of his life, Deotha Sheridan. They were married on July 24, 1933 and enjoyed a blissful marriage for sixty-six years, until her passing in January 2000. On September 7, 1937, Rev. Humphrey was ordained as a preacher and received his Certificate of Ordination at the Haynesville Church in Haynesville, Georgia. In 1941, Ernest and Deotha relocated to Baltimore, Maryland and joined the Zion Baptist Church on Caroline Street. In 1948, he became Pastor of First Baptist Church in Cokesbury, Maryland and remained there until 1950. On the first Sunday in January 1950, she was called to preach at Christian Mission in Hollabird and was accepted as the Pastor at Christian Mission, after the illness of the former Pastor, Rev. Paul Smith. Later, the church was relocated to 1512 Winchester Street, Baltimore, Maryland and in 1951 was incorporated as First Christian Community Baptist Church. Through the grace of God and under the leadership of Rev. Humphrey, along with the Deacon Board, the Officials and the members, the Church (FCCBC) began to grow. After many trials and tribulations, on February 22, 1975, the congregation moved into the current Church located at 4116 Groveland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland. Rev. Humphrey was a true man of God who devoted his life to helping God’s people and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was well respected for his humbleness and wisdom which he shared with many ministries throughout the years. He counseled and married many couples including second and third generations. While always ready and willing to preach the gospel of peace, Rev. Humphrey had two other God given gifts, playing the piano and singing either before or after preaching God’s word. There are only a few Pastors who have pastured a church for over fifty years. He is the only who has the longest tenure at one church. To God be the glory for the Great Things He has done! On Monday, October 24, 2011, God looked down on Rev. Humphrey and called him from his early labor. We were truly blessed to have him as our Pastor and we thank God for the time He allowed him to minister to us through Him. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrated his life: many nieces and nephews; one devoted niece and caregiver, Valerie H. Scott; along with a loving church family (FCCBC). God saw the road was getting rough, the hills were hard to climb; He gently closed his loving eyes, and whispered, “ Peace be thine.”

Tributes

Reverend Doctor Ernest Humphrey

April 9, 1914 - October 24, 2011