Nathaniel Higgs

Dr. Nathaniel Higgs, Sr., son of the late Benjamin Higgs and Ruth Washington, was born February 14, 1931 in Palmyra, North Carolina.Dr. Higgs attended elementary school in Palmyra and junior high school in Scotland Neck. At an early age, he moved with his family to Baltimore, Maryland. Desiring the opportunity for a better education, Dr. Higgs completed his secondary schooling at Dunbar High School. He is an undergraduate student of Morgan State University, and a graduate from the Virginia Seminary Special Ministry Studies. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from the Virginia College & Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia. Then, in 1977, Dr. Higgs earned his Doctorate of Divinity degree, also from Virginia College & Seminary.In 1958, Dr.Nathaniel Higgs was converted, baptized and fellowshipped into the Southern Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend James R.Grant. In 1961, he accepted his calling to preach the Gospel of Christ. He was licensed and then later ordained as a Baptist minister.In 1953, Dr. Higgs was joined in Holy Matrimony to the former Miss Bernice Whitaker. God blessed their union with eight offspring; four sons, Nathaniel Jr., Marvin, Bruce and David; and four daughters, Angela, Carol, Melissa and Rosita. He loved his family and enjoyed vacationing and spontaneous out-door adventures. Dr. Higgs accepted his blessing of being a husband, father, grandfather and friend, and served the Lord with gladness. The legacy he leaves will follow generations to come.In 1966, Dr. Higgs was elected pastor of Southern Baptist Church. On February 19, 1967, he was installed as Southern Baptist’s third pastor, and served faithfully for 36 years. Throughout his dynamic ministry and sojourn, the Church continued to be a thriving pulsating lighthouse. Dr. Higgs was a dedicated person who was totally concerned with the saving of souls. He reached out far into all areas and gathered people to worship in Christ’s name. As a result of his effective leadership, a number of preachers were developed, many of who are currently successful pastors.First and foremost, Dr. Higgs distinguished himself, by the help of the Lord, to be known throughout this nation as a man of God. His achievements and services were not limited to the Christian Faith Community only. In both City and state affairs, Dr. Higgs was widely known and recognized as great leader, business executive, entrepreneur an the Pastor of a great people. The Southern Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland.On June 5, 2009, Dr. Higgs stepped on the Morning train and transitioned from Grace to Glory. Leaving to cherish his memories are; his beloved wife, First Lady Emeritus Bernice Higgs; four sons, Nathaniel Jr., Marvin, Bruce and David; four daughters, Angela, Carol, Melissa and Rosita, one adopted son, Dr. Robert L. Haynes; one adopted daughter, Peggy Kellam, two sons-in-law, Melvin Davis, Sr. and Kevin Brooks; four daughters-in-law, Marie Higgs, Trina Higgs, Joanne Higgs, and Janet Higgs; fifteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four sisters, Bertha Mae Hanson, Stella Mae Long, Charon Smith and Deborah Butler; one brother, Walter Higgs; three brothers-n-law; three sisters-in-law; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other family and friends. Ma Broadway and grandson J.R. welcomed Daddy in Glory

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Nathaniel Higgs

February 14, 1931 - June 5, 2009