The funeral service for Rev. Roy A. Butler, Sr., who went to be with the Lord on New Year's day, will be on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Calvary Baptist Church in East Orange. The service begins at 9:30 am. Visiting hours on Friday evening will be from 5:00-9:00 pm and will be held at First Baptist Church, Maplewood.

Click "Read More" for a beautiful tribute to Rev. Butler, which was sent to ABCNJ by Minister Sandra Pendleton-Rock, Associate Pastor, FBC Maplewood.

Roy A. Butler, Sr., Founder and Senior Pastor

First Maplewood Baptist Church

November 7, 1942 - January 1, 2009

THE REVEREND ROY A. BUTLER, SR., M. DIV. . .

was a long time resident of Maplewood, NJ and a graduate of Drew University Theological Seminary, Madison, New Jersey. He was a member of the South Orange/Maplewood Clergy Association. Pastor Butler was a first and former founding trustee of The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race. Rev. Butler was the first chairperson of The Community Coalition on Race Faith Committee. Pastor Butler was also a Life Member of The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the Montclair Alumni Chapter of that same fraternity.

Pastor Butler is survived by his beloved wife Rev. Marsha E. Butler, M.S. and children, Belena, Roy II., and Jennifer. his church family and a host of friends and colleagues.

"We at First Maplewood Baptist Church celebrate and honor his life in rededicating ourselves to the core values he instilled for us:

To serve the needs of others

To love unconditionally

To strive to maintain the proper Christian attitude and character

To remain culturally aware and relevant to and in the community

To promote equity and diversity in education at all levels

To be examples of the fruit of God’s spirit as recorded in Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of God’s Spirit is love, joy, peace

Patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control. (NIV)"

While Pastor Roy A. Butler has transitioned into eternal rest he leaves a rich legacy for us at first Maplewood Baptist Church in his creed of ….WHO WE ARE. . .

We are a Church of Real Love, Real Faith, Real Peace with a Real Heart.

We are a Real Refuge for all People.

!!!! We are Real !!!!