It is not what we do for ourselves that matters, it is what we do for others. This is the meaning of being Christ-like - this is the essence of life."

Bishop Williams held many offices of distinction, the greatest being Chairman of the Board of Bishops of the National Church Of God In Christ, Inc. and member of the General Board.  He served two years as President of the Hampton Ministerial Conference and four years as President of the Fellowship of Pentecostal Ministers. He also served as Secretary of the Presidium of the World Conference of Pentecostal Churches, International Representative for the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. and Bishop of the 2nd Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, State of Virginia.

Perhaps the summary of this man's life rests in the quality of his relationships and the way he treated others. One of his favorite quotes was...

"True religion cannot be and is not indifferent to morality. It cannot be equated with formal acts of worship only. Its end objective is not merely the edification of the worshipper, but the establishment of a structure for the living in right relationships among the members of a community of whom God is a member. This is our aim and purpose."

Bishop Williams cared about the welfare of people. He taught his congregation to better themselves through education, decent employment, and a surrendered life to Christ. Under his ministry, the Mother Church of God in Christ became one of the first black churches in the Tidewater area to have a weekly radio broadcast.

In 1964, our current church building was completed. Bishop Williams' concern for people continued to grow, and he opened the doors of the church to embrace Child Day Care and a Well-Baby Clinic. Bishop Williams was instrumental in the establishing of the Williams Village housing development in Virginia Beach, Virginia and the COGIC High-rise for the elderly in Norfolk, Virginia.

In memory of this great man of faith, The D. Lawrence Williams Community Christian Education Center is currently under construction. You may pledge your support today! mmcogic@bellatlantic.net

"It is not what we do for ourselves that matters; it is what we do for others. This is the meaning of being Christ-like - this is the essence of life."