A scholarship fund was created in 1987 and expanded after Mr. William Guthrie gave a substantial contribution to Avery Chapel AME Church in memory of his wife, Mrs. Marcella Guthrie. Subsequently, Reverend Leodis Strong requested and was granted permission to use this money to initiate a scholarship fund at Avery Chapel.
A scholarship committee was formed at Avery and charged with devising fund raising projects to increase the amount of scholarships that would be awarded. A significant amount of funds was raised through the sale of “Fourth Sunday Dinners”. The dinners initially provided a steady stream of income for the Scholarship Fund and a time for fellowship among church members.
From its humble beginnings the Fund has blossomed to become the Marcella Guthrie Scholarship Fund. The awards started as $50.00 scholarships and have grown in amounts and numbers.
The Marcella Guthrie Scholarship Fund, a not for profit 501 (C) (3) organization, is governed by a Board of Directors and was incorporated in May, 1995. The primary mission of the Fund is to promote the educational development of future community leaders by providing financial stipends to qualified students who are pursuing a post high school education, and are enrolled and attending educational institutions.