Houston is mourning the loss of a giant. Reverend William A. Lawson, founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and a towering figure in the city’s Black community, passed away peacefully at 95.
Lawson’s legacy extends far beyond the pulpit. He arrived in Houston in the mid-50s, a young man with a fire for social justice. He became the director of the Baptist Student Union at Texas Southern University, a pivotal role that placed him at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Lawson didn’t just preach about equality; he lived it. He marched alongside giants like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
But Lawson’s impact wasn’t limited to national struggles. He recognized the need for a strong, supportive community within Houston itself. In 1962, he alongside his wife Audrey, founded Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church with a little over a dozen members.
The church grew into a sprawling complex, offering spiritual guidance, social services, educational programs, and a safe haven for countless residents of the Third Ward.
Tributes poured in online, each echoing Lawson’s profound impact on countless lives. Houstonians shared stories of how his guidance and support helped them navigate life’s challenges. Here is what the community members had to say.
Geaux She
I still cannot find the words to express how much I appreciate Pastor and Mrs. Lawson. When I moved to Houston 20 years ago, they were so welcoming, supportive and loving to me, a complete stranger. I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have been in their presence. My heartfelt condolences to the Lawson family and all who love them.
Jelando Johnson
May he Rest Well in eternal Peace. He was a great man who made a difference. Houston would not be the city it is without him. I learned of Rev. Lawson in my teenage years and have admired him to this day. He spoke loudly without ever raising his voice. He’s missed already.
Rio Watkins
What an honor to even be in the same building with a great civil rights leader… most of which we only get to read about in books. He was so cool and fly still praising God until the day he died. We should all aspire to be so great. I’m sure he is enjoying the great harvest God has prepared for his service to us here on earth. I pray friends and family only cry tears of joy for a life maximized by this powerful man.
Fred C. Guess
My deepest condolences to the Lawson family. I was a member of Troop 242. Eric Lawson was one of my lifelong friends. I’ve known the Lawson family my entire life and was fortunate to have been counseled by Rev. Lawson. Although we knew this time was coming, we were never ready. Rev. Lawson was a monumental figure in life, yet he always made everyone around him feel important. He will be truly missed.
Stelena Hooper Evans
From the entire Ronnie Evans family, we offer prayers for the entire Lawson family, our Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church family, the Houston 3rd Ward community, the City of Houston, and beyond. Pastor Emeritus William A. Lawson, WABC’s Founding Pastor, made such a positive and eye-opening impact on so many.
PERSONAL REMEMBRANCES:
Our family (hubby, our 3 sons & I) joined WABC specifically to attend church where my mother was a member. That was 29 years ago when our sons were 6, 8 & 11. We immediately joined the Cub Scout Pack & Boy Scout Troop. However, my mom, my sisters & I were originally affiliated with WABC when I was a young girl. When we were members of Fourth Missionary Baptist Church, our church came to WABC for the groundbreaking ceremony. WABC had recently been established & were going to build a church on their property. For weeks, our Pastor E. Stanley Branch, had talked about our church going to WABC for the groundbreaking! I couldn’t wait to see that happen! In my mind, everyone was going to have tools (shovels, hammers, sledgehammers, jackhammers, etc.), to hit the ground, in unison & the ground would break/crack open! When I only saw about 10 people w/ shovels who all just seemed to each put one foot on their shovel, that was placed on the ground. Well, NOTHING happened! No groundbreaking! No trembling ground! Nothing of the sort! I was so disappointed & never forgot that day! It was then that I knew I would be forever connected to WABC. I just didn’t know how. My mom signed my sisters & me up to join Girl Scouts @ WABC! Our family became rooted, then! A few years went by. Mom joined WABC in 1974, my senior year @ Yates High. Somehow, I chose to remain @ Fourth Missionary. Hmm. But, I was meant to call WABC my home church & join, along w/ my hubby & 3 sons, where Mom was a member. I’m so glad we did. It was meant to be!
Joi Collette Huckaby Rideout
My deepest condolences to the entire Lawson Family. I’ve known Rev. Lawson practically my whole life, from childhood to adulthood. His community has grown and expanded, and he’s touched oh so many lives. I am grateful for his grace and his family’s friendship. Thank you, Reverend Lawson, for presiding over my wedding and officiating my marriage. I’ll never forget that day and all the others when you and your family and church took care of me in so many ways, especially recently.
May you rest in peace. And may we do our best to emulate your devotion to our community forever.
Patricia Mays
My condolences to the Lawson daughters, grands, great grands, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, family and friends. Rev. Bill Lawson touched so many of our hearts. He and Mrs. Lawson impacted so many of our lives. When you ran into them they greeted you as if they knew you. I loved Rev. Lawson’s peace-filled quiet demeanor in his sermon delivery. Why? Because he got my ear and I listened and learned. Thank you Rev. Lawson and Mrs. Lawson for your compassionate contributions to so many of us Houston wide, Texas and the United States of America. Prayers for The Lawson Family. God Be With You ⚘️⚘️⚘️
For The Defender’s complete coverage of Reverend William Lawson’s legacy, click here.
