Remembering Rev. Bill Lawson: Thousands attend community service to celebrate Houston civil rights icon

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Thousands of people attended a community service Thursday evening to celebrate the late Rev. William A. Lawson, a civil rights icon and founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Reverend Lawson, also known as the “Pastor of Houston”, died on May 14 at the age of 95.

The Thursday evening service was a celebration of song and story for the man who grew the church from 13 parishioners in 1962 to more than 12,000 today. He retired in 2004, but continued to serve as pastor emeritus.

He was a pastor, a pioneer of equality and a builder of bridges.

“Despite his gentle demeanor, Rev. Lawson’s impact was profound. He had a unique ability to convey powerful and sometimes difficult messages with gentle words, inspiring change and reflection,” said Martin Cominsky, CEO and President of Interfaith Ministries, in front of a packed house. cathedral.

Lawson was the father of four children, including ABC13’s Melanie Lawson. She and her family were there Thursday evening.

“I will cherish the gift he gave me. I am honored to have known him, to receive that big hug from him, that big smile that melted my heart and a prayer that sustained me throughout. all day long,” Eileen Morris of Le Théâtre Ensemble said during the service.

Other speakers included clergy, community leaders and friends.

Earlier, people lined up to pay their respects during a visitation. Then the reverend’s body was moved from the original sanctuary to the cathedral in a solemn procession of church leaders.

Lawson worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement and founded Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church with his wife Audrey. The couple was married for 61 years before his death in 2015.

The final celebration of Rev. Lawson’s life will be held Friday morning at 11 a.m.

For more on this story, follow Jessica Willey on Facebook, X and Instagram.