One Church One School Community Partnership Program founder and CEO
The Carter Temple Church Family and the One Church One School Family will gather on February 17, 2025, to celebrate the life, leadership, and legacy of Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., a towering spiritual leader and advocate for education, civil rights, and community empowerment. The event, set to take place at Carter Temple CME Church, 7841 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL, at 7 PM, will honor the man whose service left an indelible mark on congregations and communities across the country. Doors will open at 6 PM, and the Williamson Family will be in attendance for this special occasion.
A highlight of the celebration will be a musical tribute by the Reunion Mass Choir of Carter Temple, composed of former members of the church’s music ministry. The choir will perform some of Bishop Williamson’s favorite gospel selections, bringing together voices that once uplifted services under his leadership. A final mass choir rehearsal is scheduled for February 15, where singers will gather to prepare for this one-night tribute.
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., the 52nd Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, passed away on December 25, 2024. Elected to the bishopric on July 3, 2002, at the General Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, he was assigned as the Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District. He later served in the Eighth and First Episcopal Districts before his honorable retirement in 2022.
Born in Newport, Arkansas and raised in Mercer, Tennessee and Gary, Indiana, Bishop Williamson’s journey in ministry began in 1967 at Israel CME Church in Gary, Indiana, where he was called to serve. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1968 and as an Elder in 1969. His academic pursuits led him to Purdue University’s Calumet Campus, where he earned a B.A. in Sociology. He later obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, with advanced studies in Clinical Pastoral Education. His contributions to theology and education were recognized with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary in Monroe, Louisiana.
His pastoral career spanned over three decades, from 1969 to 2002, with service in CME churches across Gary, Indiana; Evanston, Illinois; East St. Louis, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Jacksonville, Florida; and Chicago, Illinois. During his 16-year tenure at Carter Temple CME Church in Chicago, he led the congregation to grow to over 3,000 active members and established more than 50 ministries.
Bishop Williamson was not only a religious leader but also a champion for education and youth empowerment. He founded the One Church One School Community Partnership Program, a nationwide initiative that established over 200 partnerships between churches and schools. This program provided mentorship, tutoring, scholarships, and parental involvement programs that continue to impact young people across the country. The CME Church formally adopted a resolution in support of this initiative at its 1994 General Conference.
One Church One School continues to thrive as a national initiative dedicated to bridging the gap between faith-based communities and education. By fostering mentorship opportunities, academic support, and life skills training, the program ensures that students—especially those from underprivileged backgrounds—receive the necessary resources to succeed. Under Bishop Williamson’s vision, the initiative became a model for sustainable partnerships, inspiring churches across the country to take active roles in shaping the future of young learners. Today, many of these partnerships continue to offer scholarships, enrichment programs, and career development support for students.
His leadership extended beyond the pulpit. From 1991 to 1993, he served as the National President of PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity), an organization dedicated to economic and social justice. He worked closely with Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. on the National Board of Rainbow/PUSH and was an advocate for human and civil rights, particularly focusing on the needs of children and youth.
Throughout his lifetime, Bishop Williamson received numerous awards, including Purdue University’s Keeper of the Dream Award, the PUSH Dream Keepers Award, and the Black Expo Award for Community Leadership. He also served on the boards of Northern Trust Bank and the World Methodist Council of Churches.
Bishop Williamson’s greatest source of joy was his family. He and his wife, Doris Yvonne, raised two children, Henry Jr. and Kelli Daonne, both of whom pursued distinguished careers in finance and education, respectively. His grandchildren, Jonathan, Henry III, and Derek Alexander, brought him immense happiness. He frequently credited his mother, Alma J. Carvin, for the love and sacrifice that shaped him into the leader he became.
As the community gathers on February 17 to celebrate his enduring legacy, Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. will be remembered as a devoted pastor, an inspiring mentor, and a tireless advocate for education and justice. His favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
