UM Presents Shophar Award to
Rev. Kenneth Sudduth

Dr. Dale Younce, right, associate professor in the University of Mobile School of Christian Studies, presents a ram’s horn signifying the Order of the Shophar award to the Rev. Kenneth Sudduth, pastor of Old Union Baptist Church.

The University of Mobile tapped the Rev. Kenneth Sudduth of Addison, Ala., as the recipient of its annual “Order of the Shophar” award during a luncheon meeting at the Alabama Baptist State Convention on Nov. 16.

Dr. Dale Younce, associate professor in UM’s School of Christian Studies, presented the award during the university’s Alumni and Friends Luncheon at Dalraida Baptist Church in Montgomery. He said the award is given by the School of Christian Studies to an Alabama Baptist State Convention minister for faithful service that may never otherwise be recognized.

Sudduth was nominated by Al Hood, director of missions for the Winston Baptist Association.

“Kenny has a warm spirit and is a great shepherd to his flock,” Hood wrote in recommending Sudduth for the award. “As a bi-vocational pastor, he puts in many hours anfter – and before – his work schedule in order to minister. He has a true servant’s heart, doing whatever needs to be done to advance God’s kingdom.”

Sudduth has served as a pastor since 1976 and currently has the longest single tenure of any pastor in the Winston Baptist Association. He was licensed to the gospel ministry on May 4, 1975, by the First Baptist Church of Addison, where he was also ordained on Oct. 24, 1976.

He served as bi-vocational pastor at Houston Baptist Church from 1976-83, and has served as bi-vocational pastor of Old Union Baptist Church near Nauvoo from 1983 to the present. He is employed by Jasper Lumber Company in Jasper, Ala.

Sudduth is a 1962 graduate of Addison High School. He married Mary Oliver in 1963 and they have two children and four grandchildren. He served in the 101st Airborne Division from 1962-65, and served for eight years as a city councilman for Addison.

He has served the Winston Baptist Association as moderator from 1987-89 and currently is vice moderator and as chairman of the Committee on Committees.

Hood said Sudduth has led Old Union Baptist, a small rural church, to give generously to the Cooperative Program, the association, and the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home.

“His church consistently is one of the top percentage givers to the Children’s Home,” Hood wrote.

Dr. Cecil Taylor, dean of the UM School of Christian Studies, said Sudduth exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding pastor.

“His pastoral record is awesome,” Taylor said.

Also during the luncheon, UM President Dr. Mark Foley presented an update on the university to approximately 200 attendees.

He said the University of Mobile is “raising the bar as we progress in what it means to be a Christian university.” He said UM is making the transition from a small, locally-based college to a nationally recognized Christian university with a strong residential community. He noted the completion of Samford Hall, a new 101-bed residence hall which opened in August, and said construction is about to start on another 148-bed residence hall.

Foley said the university is proving that quality higher education and faith can go hand-in-hand.

“When you hire a graduate of the University of Mobile, you will find them to be confident and Christian – confident in who they are and about everything in their lives, and who they are as Christians. They are men and women who know how to think, to analyze the world around them; who know what they believe and why they believe it; and have the courage to live and work according to what they believe. We are graduating men and women who have the willingness and skill to use their influence in appropriate and effective ways to change the world,” Foley said.