CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND HENRY WILLIAMSON, SR.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND HENRY WILLIAMSON, SR.

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E102-E103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND HENRY WILLIAMSON, SR. ______ HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, February 6, 2025 Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Chicago legend, Reverend Henry Williamson, Sr., who sadly passed away this past Christmas day at the age of 76. Reverend Williamson leaves behind an iconic legacy of faith, service, and stewardship that has positively impacted the lives of all his congregants. Reverend Williamson was born in 1949 in Arkansas and was first called to ministry in 1967 at Israel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Gary, Indiana. He was ordained as an elder in 1969 by Bishop J. Claude Allen. His ministry spanned from 1969 through 2002 at CME churches across the country. Notably, he pastored at Carter Temple CME Church in Chicago for 16 years and led the congregation in growing to over 3,000 active members with 50 active ministries in the church. During his ministry in three Episcopal Districts, over 30 men and women accepted their call to preach in the CME Church. In each city while serving as pastor, Bishop Williamson motivated the congregations he led to meet the spiritual and social needs of the church and the larger community. He served as the National President of PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) from 1991 to 1993, helping to stabilize the organization financially and continues to work with Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. on the National Board of Rainbow/PUSH. Bishop Williamson was the founder and CEO of One Church One School Community Partnership Program. This nationwide program involves churches and schools in partnerships [[Page E103]] that teach our young people to Value Life and Learning. Over 200 One Church One School partnerships across the Nation are positively impacting students through tutoring and mentoring programs, parent involvement, homework assistance programs, scholarships, and student empowerment conferences. The CME Church formally adopted a resolution supporting One Church, One School program at its 1994 General Conference. Bishop Williamson received numerous awards and Keys to the City including the 2001 Keeper of the Dream, Purdue University's Outstanding Alumni Award, Pastor of the New Generation, PUSH Dream Keepers Award, and Black Expo Award for Community Leadership, among others. Bishop Williamson serves on the Boards of Northern Trust Bank, and World Methodist Council of Churches. Most proud of his family, he and his wife Doris Yvonne are the proud parents of Henry, Jr., a graduate of Northwestern University, and currently a financial analyst with LaSalle Partners of Chicago, and married to Dana Soedarmo-Williamson; and Kelli Daonne, a graduate of Chicago State University, and currently teaching Music Education in the Chicago Public Schools, and married to Dr. Ramon W. Key, Jr. Their grandsons, Jonathan, Henry III, and Derek Alexander, are the source of much joy and happiness in their lives. Bishop Williamson was especially grateful to his mother Mrs. Alma J. Carvin of Gary, IN for her love, influence, and sacrifice in making him the son, husband, father and Christian leader that he is today, in the body of Christ. Bishop Williamson was a much sought after public speaker and an advocate for civil and human rights and especially for the needs of children and youth. His favorite scripture--Philippians 4:13--``I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!'' ____________________