JC WARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
History of the JC Ward Memorial Scholarship
Reverend J.C. Ward
The JC Ward Memorial Scholarship is in its fourth decade of supporting the educational goals of Hunter Hills’ students. Rev. Aaron Jones, Jr. saw a need to help and encourage young people to further their education and he wanted to assist them financially. The Scholarship Fund was established in 1982 under his pastorship in memory and in honor of the late Reverend J. C. Ward, who was the Pastor of the Hunter Hill First Baptist Church from 1963 – 1975. This honor was especially fitting because of the type of pastor Reverend Ward was - a man devoted to God, his family, his church, and the youth he served through his ministry. The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships for books and supplies to support qualified active members who are enrolled in an accredited college. The scholarship continues to help the young people in our church further their education today.
About Reverend J.C. Ward
Reverend J. C. Ward was born in Atlanta, Georgia on August 22, 1929, to Mr. Joe and Mrs. Mildred C. Ward and was the second born of their four children. He was educated in the Atlanta Public School System and he attended the Carver Bible Institute. His path to ministry began during a stay in the hospital. He met the late Reverend J. R. Lovett while a patient and after meeting and talking with Reverend Lovett, he realized that he had not given to God, nor man, all he could. He became converted while in the hospital and immediately moved his membership to the Greater Mount Vernon Baptist Church, where Reverend Lovett was pastor. He worked faithfully there and was called by God to preach. He began his ministerial career in 1958 and was licensed and ordained in 1959.
Rev. J. C. Ward, served as the Assistant Pastor to Rev. B. Bowen for three years from 1960 – 1963 . He continued to work faithfully and diligently during a three month period the church was without a pastor . The church was relocated during this time to E.C. Clements Elementary School after being destroyed by fire. With Rev. Ward’s leadership, the church marched from E.C. Clement Elementary School, to a newly constructed Educational Building in less than a year. After many months of laborious work and skillful leadership, the reality of a long dream materialized - a new edifice was completed and dedicated on September 15, 1968. He made a profound impression upon his congregation and throughout his pastorate he continued to make memorable contributions.
Reverend Ward continued growing the church. Groups organized under his leadership were the J. C. Ward Gospel Chorus, Sunbeam Choir, Missionary Society, Janell Randolph Memorial Usher Board, Young Matrons’ Board, Courtesy Guild, Trustee Board, Youth for Christ Choir, Pastor’s Aid Club, and six membership clubs. Further growth was evidenced by increased membership, completion of the kitchen, paving of the parking lot, and the addition of five men being licensed to preach God’s Word.
Rev. Ward was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 12, 1975, at 1:38 pm. His favorite songs were “Amazing Grace” and “A Charge to Keep I Have.” His favorite Bible verses are found in Ephesians 2 verses 8 and 9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
As a husband and father, he was most devoted and loving. He worked untiringly from day to day, never complaining, to see to it that his wife, Marion and three children, Sandra, Jeffery, and Janice were comfortable and happy in every way. His familial dedication carried over to his church family. As a pastor and a father, he had a soft spot for the youth. His works included growing the church youth ministry to include the Youth Council Organization, weekly Youth Fellowship meeting, and a weekly Bible Class for Youth.
Rev. Ward was an integral part of his community. His organizational affiliations included: The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation Breadbasket, YMCA, Atlanta Ministers’ Union, Atlanta Consortium, Progressive National Convention, New Era Baptist Convention of Georgia (where he served as the First Vice President), Turner High School Booster Club, Vice President of the Atlanta Regional Residential Manpower Center (Job Corps), and the Community Relations Advisory Council.