Insight News extends heartfelt condolences to the Lawson family, the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church \u201cWheeler Wherever\u201d church family, and the global community of Rev. William A. Lawson, who passed away on May 14, 2024. He has completed his time of service here on earth and is now enjoying eternal rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his nearly 96 years, Rev. Lawson served as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, preacher, professor, and civil rights leader. Known fondly as “Houston\u2019s Pastor,” his impact on the community was profound and far-reaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lawson was born on June 28, 1928, to William Lawson, Sr. and Clarisse Riggs. After his parents’ divorce, he was adopted by his mother\u2019s second husband, Walter Cade, gaining three siblings: Walter Cade, Jr., Catherine, and Joe Williams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1955, Lawson moved to Houston with his beloved late wife, Audrey, and their young daughter, Melanie, to serve as Director of the Baptist Student Union at Texas Southern University. In 1962, he founded Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church [WABC], where he served as pastor for 42 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rev. Lawson started WABC with 12 friends [the Charter Members] from the living room of their home. The congregation has grown to over 18,000 members, with many outreach programs, and is much respected around the world. Since the church was born and lived its infant years during the Civil Rights Movement, Lawson has been deeply involved in advocacy activities for African Americans, for Hispanics, for women, and for the poor. Upon his retirement in 2004, the congregation aptly honored him with the title of Founding Pastor Emeritus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the church, Lawson significantly shaped Houston by leading efforts to desegregate the city. He joined the national civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., establishing a local office of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Dr. King remained a close friend until his untimely death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lawson was part of a powerful trio of religious leaders, along with the late Rabbi Samuel Karff and the late Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza, known as the Three Amigos. Together, they tackled major city issues, including homelessness, racism, inequality, and the creation of a public defender\u2019s office. Lawson was particularly known for bridging the gap between the powerful and the powerless, championing social justice and community service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His dedication extended far beyond churches and the pulpit. Alongside his devoted wife Audrey, Rev. Lawson founded the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity [WALIPP], establishing single-gender charter schools for boys and girls, reflecting his commitment to nurturing the potential of the underprivileged. His efforts in community upliftment were most evident in his work to redevelop Houston\u2019s Third Ward. Through WALIPP, he spearheaded the construction of affordable apartments for seniors and worked tirelessly to unite community development groups, churches, civic clubs, and local governments, ensuring that real estate development would not displace those in need of affordable housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rev. Lawson\u2019s dedication and influence was not limited to church, community, and civic engagement. The bona fide \u201ccreative,\u201d years before the term was coined, was a scholar, an author, and an artist. He received honorary doctorates from Howard Payne College, the University of Houston, and Texas Southern University. His book of meditations, \u201cLawson\u2019s Leaves of Love\u201d, offers a glimpse into the wisdom and compassion that guided his life\u2019s work. Lawson always works in close partnership with wife Audrey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Staunch supporters of the performing arts, specifically, the Ensemble Theater, located In midtown Houston, TX, Rev. and Mrs. Lawson were in the first group to support and remain long standing substantial contributors to the Founder\u2019s Circle campaign and as Platinum subscribers. From 1985 to 1990 Reverend Lawson volunteered to free hand draw, then paint with the help of his wife and volunteers, the graphics for The Ensemble Theatre\u2019s outer building marquee which promoted each play for the Midtown 3535 Main St. location. The Lawson\u2019s have been honored over the years at multiple Ensemble galas with Rev. Lawson receiving, most recently, the Legacy Leadership Award in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ensemble Theatre commissioned Melda Beatty to write a play depicting the love story of Rev. and Audrey Lawson set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement that . The exciting full story and excerpts of \u201cThe Lawson\u2019s \u2013 A Civil Rights Love Story,\u201d have been performed at The Ensemble Theatre and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n