Rev Rugley Monroe Jr. Gospel Preacher, Pastor born in New Gulf, Texas on September 8, 1932. Parents: Mr & Mrs. Rugley Monroe, Sr.
As a youth joined Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under leadership of Rev. Herman L. Price.
Was called to preach the word of God and delivered his first sermon on March 10, 1950.
On December 20, 1953 Pastor Monroe and Sister Atherlene Smith were Married.
In 1954 - began his tour of duty in the Armed forces serving actively for two years and being honorably discharged in 1956. Worked for Houston Post from 1957 to 1973 where he was supervisor and later became Job Steward for the union.
Began pasturing the Willing Workers Baptist Church in 1962 in the Sunnyside area of Houston, Texas (later name changed to El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church). At the age of 30, he was instrumental in forming a Youth Group in the community and neighbourhood. And led most of them to Christ.
In September 1973, working with Mr. Townsend a city official and the City Planning Commission he helped devise a neighbourhood improvement planning program for the Sunnyside area bordering Comal St. between Belfort and Reed Road.
Continues to work closely with City Officials relating concerns and grievances of the Sunnyside Community as they arise.
In 1968, Pastor Monroe was elected 3rd vice Moderator of the Southwest Century District Association, then later became 2nd Vice Moderator after the passing of Rev Terrell who formerly held that position.
Continuing his theological and educational studies, Rev. Monroe attended Bishop College and Durham Business College in 1970. He received his Doctor of Divinity Degree on May 31, 1974 from South Union Theological Seminary. From 1978 to 1980 Pastor Monroe attended Prairie View College receiving certificates from their Continuing Education program.
Rev Monroe has shepherded for 55 years.Ordained numerous preachers. Some have gone on lead and Pastor their own flock . Ordained numerous deacons here at El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
Pastor Monroe became the president of The Southside Ministers Union in 1998.
Member of the Ministers Against Crime in the Sunnyside Area
Served as Advisor to Precinct #2 in Missouri City, Tx. Has been recognized by numerous city officials such as former Mayor(s) Kathy Whitmire, Lee Brown, former Police Chief Bradford, former City Council Woman Wanda Adams, u.s. Representative Shelia Jackson Lee, and Congressman Al Green for being a positive, powerful , entity to society.
On February 6, 2010, Pastor Monroe was president an Honorary Degree for Doctor of Divinity from St. Raphael Divinity College in Louisiana.
June 20, 2010 he was a nominee/recipient of the Al Edwards 2010 Juneteenth Emancipator award at the Gospel Gala celebration at Jones Hall.
Pastor Monroe has received many awards and certificates from men of divinity and city officials too numerous to mention. Her continues to be a positive spirit-filled, dedicated man of God in our church as well as the community and city of Houston, Texas. Pastor Monroe and the late Sis. Atherlene Monroe are the proud Parents of 4 children Rugley III ,Angie ,David, and Patrick. January 23, 2013, Sis. Atherlene Monroe transitioned from earth to glory.
