Rev. Butler attended the Hempstead Public Schools and is a 1980 graduate of the Hempstead High School where he was awarded an athletic scholarship in Track and Field to Old Dominion University, Norfolk Virginia.  While attending ODU Rev. Butler majored in Secondary Education, Rev. Butler graduated from Old Dominion University in May 1985, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  He was also active on campus as a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, holding the office of Dean of Pledges for the Eta Omega Chapter.

 

After graduation, Rev. Butler returned home to Hempstead New York where he met and married the former Ms. Sylvia L. Sapp.  The two were united in Holy Matrimony on June 4, 1988.  Their union was blessed with three children, Shanelle, Sharelle and Donald Jr.  Shanelle is a freshman at St. John's University, Queens Campus New York.  Sharelle is a sophomore at Half Hollow Hills High School, Dix Hills New York and Donald Jr. is in the seventh grade at West Hollow Middle School Dix Hills New York.  Rev. and Mrs. Butler are very proud of their three children.

 

Rev. Butler was a well-known and respected New York City Transit Police Officer in the East New York section of Brooklyn for three and a half years, a Village of Hempstead Police Officer for 17 years serving in the rank of Detective as a School Resource Officer 6 years. While on active duty, Rev./Det. Butler received numerous awards from the Police Department, the School District and the Community at large.

 

In 1995, the LORD called Rev. Butler to preach the Gospel while he and his family were members of the Emanuel Baptist Church of Elmont, Long Island New York.  His Pastor, Rev. Dr. H. David Parker ordained Rev. Butler on April 5, 1998.  Prior to that, Rev. Butler served on the deacon board of that same church for a year and a half.  Under the tutelage of his Pastor, Rev. Butler became the Associate Minister of the Emanuel Baptist Church assuming many leadership ministries such as the President of the Board of Christian Education, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Sunday School teacher and Bible Study teacher.

 

Many Communities recognized Rev. Butler's passion for spreading the Gospel beyond the walls of the Emanuel Baptist Church and he was invited to preach at a host of Churches throughout the United States.  His co-workers were touched by his devout belief in the Almighty God as he was appointed Chaplain of the Village of Hempstead Police Department and the Guardians Association which represents Black Law Enforcement Officers throughout Nassau County.

 

The floodgates of Heaven were opened when he was requested to lead the Community Baptist Church of Southampton, Long Island New York as Pastor elect on June 6, 2006.  Rev. Butler has retired from the Police Department completing twenty and a half years of dedicated service in order that he might dedicate his life to being a full time Pastor.

 

Rev. Butler is a firm believer in education, trusting that the ultimate education is the constant search of the Holy Scriptures and study of God's Word.  He leads by example and demonstrates this confidence by earning  a Master of Divinity degree on September 2, 2006 from the Virginia University of Lynchburg off-site campus located at the Antioch Baptist Church of Hempstead New York.  Rev. Butler will continue seminary study toward his Doctorate degree at the New York Theological Seminary in the near future.  Rev. Butler is currently serving as an assistant professor under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Phillip E. Elliott at New York Theological Seminary.  Rev. Butler desires to carry out God's Will with the aid of the Holy Spirit as he leads the Community Baptist Church of Southampton to it's highest potential and making a spiritual difference in the Southampton community, and the world at large.