Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church had its beginnings in 1922 when a group of former Georgians and South Carolinians assembled themselves in the living room of the home of Brother Joe O’Neil, Sr. and organized the C.M.E. Church in this community. For almost a year and a half, Brother O’Neil served as the preacher. He led the young congregation through the sales of fish sandwiches and lemonade to raise enough money to purchase a lot on North West 4th Avenue from Dr. Haines where the first Sanctuary was built in 1924.
The membership grew under the new leadership of its first official Pastor named Reverend Harris. The first members included Brother O’Neil, Will Washington, and Brother Henry Hawkins and his family from Newton, Georgia. His pastorate was followed by many illustrious men of God; however, it was under the administration of Reverend Carter that the church on 4th Avenue was remodeled and a dining room was added to the building. The first Annual Conference was hosted by Williams Temple in 1942, with the Rt. Reverend W.Y. Bell, Presiding Bishop, Reverend C.L. Reaves Pastor and Reverend N. Martin, Presiding Elder.
Reverend Carter returned to Williams Temple in 1952 and a new Christian edifice was erected. B.W. Doyle was Bishop during this period. During Reverend O.L. Barr’s tenure, the parsonage was built and was hailed as the finest in the Florida Conference. In 1954, the name of the church was changed from Williams Temple Colored Methodist Episcopal Church to Williams Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
Ten years of growth and recognition ensued, and in 1964, Bishop Murchison moved a young and energetic disciple out of his native Alabama, named George W. Wilson to Pastor Williams Memorial. It was not long after his coming that Reverend Wilson began talking about a new building. Plans were drawn up and six members led the efforts to incorporate the church. Those members were Sister Mae Ollie Williams, Brother Henry Campbell, Brother Eddie Williams, Brother Marjester Thornton, the Late Brother Austin Mitchell and the late Brother Roscoe Webb. They signed the agreement to build the new church and on September 18, 1966, worship began at our present site with Reverend George W. Wilson as Pastor. Reverend Wilson left in 1966 and returned five years later in 1971.The property for the new location was donated by the Reverend Carley Reaves, Sr., and family. A bulldozer was secured by a man in the community named Mr. Strawberry and the land for the new structure was cleared by young Carley Reaves, Jr. and the men of the church.
We consider the 1980’s as our creative years because it was during this era that we were blessed with a powerful music ministry; first under the direction of Tommy Johnson and secondly, under the direction of the Igraham Singers of Miami, Florida. The church recorded two sensational albums that featured the melodious voices of Dorothy Brown, the late Janie Wright and the late Betty Freeman Ray. We were energetically involved with other phenomenal church music ministries within the city, and fellowshipped with the usher ministries within the city. The bond that grew from these churches working together as one body resulted in a spectacular and deeply rewarding experience for all involved.
The Chair of the Steward Board was Brother Willie Brown. After his tenure, the board operated under the auspices of Brother Baron Gordon, followed by Brother H. Maurice Gordon until his demise. Brother Ben Wynn who exemplified dedication and vision served as Steward Chair until 2010. Sister Mary Faye Rivers served briefly in this capacity. Brother Joe Roberts is the current Steward Chair.
The memories of our visionaries and “Saints Who Have Crossed the River” are ever vivid in our minds and are deeply buried in our hearts. We laud their hard work, courage and sacrifices they contributed to establish this great Christian edifice.It was on their shoulders that we presently stand as we continue in faith to carry out the great commission of Jesus the Christ. We pay special tribute to our village elders: Sister Mae Ollie Williams, Brother Marjester Thornton, Sister Frankie Foeman, Sister Isialeen Webb, founder of the Helping Hands Ministry and Sister Mattie Merritt, Sister Bertha Montgomery, Brother Hamp Davis, Sister Lillie Turner, Sister Ruby McComb, Sister Annie Mae Bailey, Brother Palmer Goodwin ,Sister Annie Ruth Jones, Sister Olean Pridgen,Sister Christine Walls-Tucker, Sister Lula Griffin, Sister Mattie Ingram, Sister Millicent Dehaney and Brother Robert Dickerson.
The lineage of pastors before Reverend Wilson includes Reverend Harris, Reverend C.L.Reaves, Reverend Graham, Reverend J.B. Bright, Reverend G. James, Reverend Martin, Reverend Solomon, Reverend G.W. Campbell, Reverend O.L. Barr, Reverend Ford, Reverend Jenkins, Reverend A.L. Goodwin, Reverend Rogers, Reverend Carter, Reverend T.R.Wells, Reverend F.A.Stokes, Reverend I.E. Robinson, and Reverend Montgomery. We witnessed the anointed leadership and healing ministry of Reverend Anthony Williams, followed by Reverend L.L. Ward and Reverend R.C. McKinney, now serving as Presiding Elder of the Jacksonville-Orlando District of the C.M.E. Connection, and Reverend Marvin Charles Lue. Jr.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
