Building for Others: The Life and Legacy of Rev. John L. Butler

The story of the man whose vision of faith, education, service, and community continues to inspire PDAC's mission today.

For many who visit PDAC, the name “Rev. John L. Butler Education & Community Center” may prompt a simple question: Who was Rev. John L. Butler?

The answer speaks directly to the values that have guided PDAC’s work for generations. Rev. John L. Butler dedicated his life to strengthening communities through education, faith, leadership, advocacy, and service. He believed that lasting change happens when people are empowered with knowledge, supported by strong institutions, and committed to uplifting others. Those same principles continue to shape PDAC’s mission of investing in people, families, and communities.

The naming of the Rev. John L. Butler Education & Community Center honors a man whose life’s work reflected the very ideals PDAC strives to advance every day. His legacy serves as a reminder that community transformation begins with servant leadership, a commitment to justice, and a belief in the potential of every person.

The story below shares the life and legacy of the man whose name proudly stands on our building.

Rev. John L. Butler: A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Purpose

The Rev. John L. Butler believed that faith was not something to be practiced only within the walls of a church. For him, faith was meant to be lived—through service, education, leadership, advocacy, and a lifelong commitment to uplifting others.

Today, the Rev. John L. Butler Education & Community Center stands as a testament to that vision.

Born on September 8, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, John Louis Butler was the fifth of ten children born to Walter and Mary Best Butler. Raised during the Great Depression, he experienced firsthand the challenges faced by many Black families in America. Yet amid those difficulties, he inherited something invaluable: a rich spiritual foundation. His parents and grandparents were active members of the Church of God in Christ, and their faith shaped the course of his life.

At just eight years old, John accepted Christ during a prayer meeting led by his older sister. By age fourteen, he had embraced his faith even more deeply and began a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and service. Those early experiences planted the seeds of a calling that would eventually impact countless lives.

Education was central to Rev. Butler’s story. He graduated from the City College of New York in 1956 and began his career as a teacher. But his path soon took an unexpected turn. During a church convocation in 1960, he felt a divine call—not only to ministry but also to the legal profession. While many would have viewed those callings as separate, Rev. Butler saw them as complementary. Both offered opportunities to serve, advocate, and create pathways for others.

He resigned from a secure teaching position and enrolled in Brooklyn Law School, pursuing his legal education while supporting a young family alongside his wife, Fay Ellis Butler. Throughout their marriage, they exemplified partnership and mutual support. As Rev. Butler pursued law and ministry, he encouraged Fay’s own educational journey, which culminated in her earning a Ph.D. from Columbia University.

After law school, Rev. Butler distinguished himself professionally, earning recognition for his academic achievements despite the racial barriers that existed during that era. He was recruited to work within the United States Department of Justice and later served in leadership roles within legal services and the New York State Human Rights Division. Throughout his legal career, he became known as an advocate for those whose voices often went unheard.

Yet even as his professional accomplishments grew, his commitment to ministry remained unwavering.

Rev. Butler served as pastor of Goodwill Mission Church of God in Christ, leading a small storefront congregation that would eventually flourish under his leadership. Through dedication, vision, and faithfulness, he helped guide the congregation into owning its own church building and strengthened the spiritual lives of countless members. His influence extended beyond a single congregation as he served in leadership positions throughout the Church of God in Christ and provided legal counsel to churches and ministries across denominations.

One of Rev. Butler’s most enduring contributions was his understanding that institutions must be built to last. His publication, How to Sustain and Protect Your Church, reflected his desire to help churches establish strong foundations through sound governance, stewardship, and leadership. He recognized that ministry required not only spiritual vision but also practical wisdom. His work helped congregations think intentionally about preserving their missions for future generations.

Throughout every season of his life, Rev. Butler embodied servant leadership. The scripture featured in his publication captures the philosophy by which he lived:

“Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister... and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” Matthew 20:26-27

Those who knew him understood that his achievements were never pursued for personal recognition. Whether serving as a pastor, attorney, educator, mentor, or community leader, he remained committed to helping others discover their potential and fulfill their purpose.

His legacy continues today through the institutions he helped build, the lives he influenced, and the generations inspired by his example. The naming of the Rev. John L. Butler Education & Community Center is more than a tribute to one man; it is a recognition of the values he embodied: faith, education, justice, service, and community.

The legacy continues: A picture of Atty. Butler next to a picture of his first great-grandchild.

A picture of youth and adults who have participated in programs at PDAC.

As the center carries his name into the future, it also carries forward his belief that true leadership is measured not by what we achieve for ourselves, but by what we build for others.

Rev. John L. Butler's life reminds us that lasting impact comes from answering a calling greater than ourselves…and then dedicating our lives to serving it.