By Steven Norris
As I stepped into the pulpit of First Baptist Church this past Sunday, a long shadow fell across the red carpet beneath my feet. I received a message days prior, informing me of the passing of Rev. Dr. Bruce Monroe Morgan, Pastor Emeritus of our congregation. To say that Dr. Morgan was a giant in the Griffin community would be an understatement.
Bruce Morgan was born in Spartanburg County, South Carolina in 1937. He attended high school in Clearwater, Florida before matriculating first at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN, then at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Dr. Morgan served pastorates in Gainesville and Winder, GA before arriving in Griffin in 1968.
At that time, First Baptist had a reputation for having a powerful presence in the pulpit. According to John Goddard’s history of FBC, a large number of church members were concerned “that a person coming from a church the size of Winder would not be the type of person who was needed to fill the vacancy created by Rev. Walker.”
Goddard continued, “When Reverend Morgan arrived to preach a ‘trial sermon,’ all doubts and reservations in anyone’s mind were immediately and enthusiastically erased. He did then and has since always presented himself in such a manner as to win the hearts of all who hear him preach. The power of his sermons is unsurpassed. He has one of the greatest commands of the English language that any pastor of the First Baptist Church has ever possessed. His sermons are thoroughly prepared and they contain great intellectual gems as well as profound spiritual messages. All of his sermons from the beginning to the end have been delivered without the use of any notes before him on the pulpit. His sermons are succinct and spellbinding. He has a great resonance in his voice that immediately captivates his audience. His personality is delightful. His compassion for those in need, in trouble, and in sorrow is deeply enriching to those who seek his counsel and aid. On the other hand, he rejoices with those in times of pleasure and is broad and liberal in his understanding of the problems of contemporary life. Many members of the congregation feel, from all that they know and have heard, that there has never been a pastor of the First Baptist Church of his equal.”
Since my arrival at First Baptist, Dr. Morgan has been one of my biggest encouragers. I would occasionally get phone calls and notes letting me know that he was praying for me and for my ministry. His joy-filled smile, unsuspecting humor, keen wit, and compassionate care will be deeply missed. When I visited Bruce a few weeks ago, he wanted me to convey his deep love for this congregation and the people of Griffin that had been so close to his heart for so long.
First Baptist Church will forever be marked by the ministry of this giant of the faith. While we grieve today, I know that we all join with the hosts of heaven in saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Thank you for your faithfulness witness.”
Arrangements for Dr. Morgan are organized by Little and Davenport with visitation December 2nd from 3 pm – 7 pm at Little & Davenport (Gainesville), and a memorial service in the chapel of the First Baptist Church, Gainesville, GA, on December 3rd, 2024, at 11 am. Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com.