Pioneer of Pompano Beach Bishop Douglas E. Russell, Sr. 92nd Birthday celebration
By B. Glover Bell and Charles Barber
The community of Pompano Beach Fla., and the distinguished Russell family of Pompano Beach of Bishop E. Russell Russell, Sr., are honoring the 92nd birthday celebration and community service to the community.
Bishop Russell a native of Pompano Beach was born June 26, 1921, attended public schools in Pompano and was reared by his parents, Elijah and Beatrice Russell. He is the oldest of six siblings. His parents migrated from Nassau, the Bahamas Island to Pompano Beach in 1910. They were among one of the oldest Black settlers during this year. His parents were one of the first home owners and they were farmers and sharecroppers.
Bishop Russell married the lovely late Mrs. Cosette Catherine Barber Russell of Millin, Ga., and the proud parents of 11 children. They are: Pastor Douglas Russell, Jr., Catherine Louise Russell Sanders, Pastor Charlie Alvin Russell, Pastor James H. Russell, Sr., Gloria Russell-Grant, Rosa M. Russell, Deacon Ronald E. Russell, Pastor Donald A. Russell, Pastor Melvin D. Russell, Co-Pastor Junie Cosette Russell Kelly and Vanessa Collen Russell-Wright.
A community servant leader and a respected entrepreneur, he founded the first Black Landscaping business in Pompano Beach, based on integrity, honesty and hard work.
His first contract was on Hillsboro Beach as a landscaper for residential properties. He was also a journeyman in the area of Electronics in repairing technology for residential and commercial companies.
He completed his certification in vocational training in Washington, D.C., in 1957. After receiving his calling into the ministry from God, he was an active member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pompano Beach, Fla. under the leadership of the late Pastor Rev. C.J. Jenkins of the 11th Episcopal District comprising Florida and the Bahamas Island and was licensed as a minister. His first mission was the Evangelism ministry in Pompano Beach, Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, Florida. After assisting other denominations he was called to be the Founder and Bishop of Fire Baptist and Truth Church, Inc., of Pompano Beach, Fla.
In the community he served in formulating the Boys Scouts of America, teaching weekly community bible classes, teaching youth in regards to on the job training in landscaping as a vocational trade and a member of the NAACP in promoting equality for all people.
The birthday celebration will be held June 28, 2013 at 7 p.m. at E. Pat Larkin’s Community Center, 520 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Pompano Beach, Fla. For more information call (561) 602-5430.
