Reverend William “Bill” Alexander Lawson, pastor of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, passed away this week at 95. His legacy as “Houston’s Pastor” has deep-rooted ties to his activism and work as a civil rights leader.
His passing has left a void in the community and many community notables are expressing their love and admiration for the legend.
How Houston will remember Rev. Lawson
“It is with both inexpressible sorrow and overwhelming gratitude that we announce the passing of our Founding Pastor, Reverend William A. Lawson on May 14, 2024. He has completed his time of service here on earth and is now enjoying eternal rest.
In his nearly 96 years, Reverend Lawson has served as husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, as well as preacher, professor, and civil rights leader. But whatever title you may have used to describe him, it has been said many times that Reverend Bill Lawson was “Houston’s Pastor.”
- Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
“Rev. William Lawson is an icon among icons. He is one of the reasons our city is so great. He helped us during civil rights and social justice like probably no other individual in the country because Houston benefited from his leadership and character. It saddens us, but though God doesn’t allow us to choose when we lose a loved one, he does allow us to celebrate their lives. I’m certain all of Houston will celebrate this great man’s life in the coming days. Our condolences go to the Lawson and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church families. Saying farewell to this titan of faith, we will remember his legacy and strive to embody it. His light will forever guide us. We should all strive for a fair, safe, and equal Houston in his honor and memory. Rest in peace, Rev. William A. Lawson. Your legacy will forever inspire and guide us.”
- Mayor John Whitmire
“His tireless advocacy and steadfast belief in the inherent dignity of every individual laid the groundwork for transformative change…His actions spoke volumes, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice and equality for all. I’ll forever cherish the memories of our shared moments, like those heartfelt discussions over the robo-dial call in his kitchen, where his guidance and support fortified my resolve. His commitment to uplifting others, irrespective of background or circumstance, leaves an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. As we mourn his passing, let’s honor his legacy by rededicating ourselves to the principles of community, compassion, and service that he exemplified. Rest assured, Reverend Lawson, your light will continue to shine brightly through the countless lives you’ve touched and the enduring impact you’ve left behind.”
- Councilwoman Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, representative of Houston City Council District D
“Rev. Lawson was the last surviving member of the ‘Three Amigos,’ a trio of faith leaders that also included the late Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza and Rabbi Samuel Karff. The three men worked together for decades on issues pertaining to civil and human rights and were a force in Houston. They worked with civic and business leaders as representatives of the faith community and as a voice for the marginalized.
Interfaith Ministries mourns the loss of this great man and celebrates his inspiring legacy. He was known as “Houston’s Pastor” and was beloved in the city as a man of deep faith and integrity. The congregation he founded and served as pastor for 42 years, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, is a long-time partner of Interfaith Ministries.”
- Interfaith Ministries
“Rev. Bill Lawson was an iconic spiritual leader who was the moral conscience for justice in our city. Every advancement of oppressed and marginalized people in Houston can be traced back to him. I will cherish his legacy.”
– First Metropolitan Church Bishop John D. Olgetree Jr.
“Rev. Lawson was a remarkable and beloved Pastor in the local Houston community. Along with Rabbi Samuel Karff and Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza, Rev. Lawson was a champion of civil rights and a bold preacher of God’s love in action. His great love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his dedication to the Word of God, made him a credible witness to the power of God’s reconciling love for all people. May he rest in the peace of the God he served so well.”
- Reverend Daniel DiNardo, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
“Reverend William Lawson was many things to the people of Harris County – a trailblazer, a civil rights icon, a convener, and a healer. Above all, he was a change maker. One of Houston’s “Three Wise Men,” Rev. Lawson believed in interfaith partnerships to bring people together to solve problems and uplift the community. Our hearts are with the Lawson family and all who share in our sadness at the news of Rev. Lawson’s passing.”
- Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones
“I cannot overstate the impact of this man’s life on my city, my family, on me. He helped desegregate Houston, declined an invitation from MLK to help the civil rights movement nationally because he believed in local ministry (there are photos of them together in his house which I have personally seen), he officiated my parents wedding, christened me as a baby, baptized me in ‘96, gave me a scholarship to college, wrote my reference letter to IV, provided counsel with I was struggling being on staff at a church, visited my mother EVERY time she was in the hospital, and started Wheeler Avenue with 13 people which now has over 12,000 members. I do not have words. Just a heavy heart. Rest in peace, Rev. Dr. William Alexander Lawson. Truly, truly, well done.”
- Sean Michael Watkins, Associate Dean at the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
“I extend my deepest condolences to the Lawson family and everyone in the community mourning the loss of a civil rights icon, Reverend William A. Lawson. I have had the privilege to meet him several times, attend Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church service, and learn from his great wisdom, I am deeply moved by his passing. His legacy of service, advocacy, and humility will undoubtedly inspire future generations in Houston and beyond. Rest in peacefully, Reverend Lawson.”
- Rep. Jarvis Johnson, House District 139 in Houston and candidate for Texas Senate District 15
“Texas Southern University mourns the passing of Reverend William A. Lawson. We honor Reverend Lawson, affectionately known as, “Houston’s Pastor.” His impact on our institution and our alumni has left an indelible mark, forever. May he rest in power.”
- Texas Southern University
“ Thinking of civil rights icon Reverend Lawson on his 90th birthday. From organizing one of the first protests against segregated schools to chartering the Southern Christian Leadership Conference chapter in Houston, he has been a dedicated leader for the city and our state.”
- Beto O’Rourke
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Rev. Lawson. He was a symbol of collaboration & open communication, which are more important than ever in these divided times. We mourn his loss in our community, and remain grateful for his leadership and love. Rest in peace, Reverend Lawson.”
- Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge
“Reverend Lawson was a civil rights icon. He courageously fought for the rights of Black people at a time when doing so could have meant death. He was a world class mind who for decades used his voice and influence to advocate for oppressed people in Houston and across the globe.”
- Christian D. Menefee, Harris County Attorney
“The Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy expresses our heartfelt condolences at the lost of Reverend William Lawson, founder of Wheeler Ave. Baptist Church, education ambassador, and one of the greatest icons of the Civil Rights movement in Houston.”
- Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy
“It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to a towering figure in our community, Reverend William A. Lawson, Founder Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Reverend Lawson’s legacy transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of Houston’s history and the hearts of its people. We were privileged to honor Reverend Lawson at our Equal Opportunity Day Gala in December 2023, where his lifetime of dedication to social justice and equality was celebrated. His unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities resonated deeply with our mission at the Houston Area Urban League. I had the distinct honor of speaking with Reverend Lawson this past April, where his wisdom and grace shone brightly, even in the face of health challenges. His steadfast faith and tireless advocacy serve as a beacon of hope for generations to come. Reverend Lawson’s impact on Houston and beyond was immeasurable. Through his leadership, he pioneered countless initiatives to address systemic injustices and promote racial harmony. His legacy will forever inspire us to strive for a more just and equitable society. May his memory serve as a loving reminder to have courage and faith, in the pursuit of truth, fairness, and opportunity for all people.”
- Judson Robinson, III, Houston Area Urban League
“Project Row Houses is sad to learn of the passing of the Rev. William A. Lawson, the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and a giant of the civil rights movement in Houston. Few could ever match Reverend Lawson’s legacy of faith, fortitude, and activism, but standing on his shoulders and in his shadow, we will try. Our prayers are with his children and grandchildren, and with our neighbors in the Wheeler Avenue family.”
- Project Row Houses
“ I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and a towering figure in our community, the Reverend William A. Lawson. His life’s work as a civil rights icon, educator, and relentless advocate for the underserved has left an indelible mark on Houston and beyond. I am profoundly grateful personally for his friendship and mentorship and for the transformative impact he had on our community.
“Reverend Lawson’s legacy is monumental. He was a pioneering force in the Civil Rights movement, courageously hosting the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at his church and supporting the brave Texas Southern University students during the sit-ins that spurred integration in our city. His commitment to justice and equality knew no bounds.
“To honor his monumental contributions, I recently had the privilege of naming a park after him and his beloved wife, Audrey. The Reverend William and Audrey Lawson Park will serve as a lasting tribute to their shared commitment to uplifting every member of our community.
“Reverend Lawson’s spirit will forever resonate in the hearts he touched and the lives he transformed. Though we mourn his loss, we celebrate a legacy that will guide us for generations to come. My wife, Licia, and I are praying for his family during this difficult time.”
- Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis
“Thanks to the wisdoms and courage of @WheelerAvenueBC’s Rev. Lawson, Houston and our world is a better place. A trailblazer and an icon, he made an impact on every life he touched.
“Because of his guidance and friendship, I was able to be a better State Rep. and Mayor.
“We will truly miss Rev. Lawson, but his work and legacy will benefit many generations to come.
“Rest well Rev. Lawson. My thoughts, prayers, and comfort, along with my family, are with Dr. Lawson’s family and Wheeler Ave. Baptist Church’s congregation at this time.”
- Sylvester Turner, former Mayor of Houston
