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| From the MCHCA site |
Bishop Harold Ivory Williams, Sr., former Presiding Prelate and Senior Bishop Emeritus of the Mount Calvary Holy Church of America (MCHCA), Inc., passed today (July 4). He was 93 years old.
According to the MCHCA site, Bishop Williams led MCHCA for more than 37 years as Senior Bishop, succeeding the organization’s founder Bishop Brumfield Johnson, before choosing to take emeritus status in 2008. Simultaneous to his leadership of the parent organization, he pastored Winston-Salem’s Mount Calvary Holy Church, Washington, DC’s Mount Calvary Holy Church, and founded a church in Baltimore, according to his bio. At the time of his demise, he and his wife of 31 years, Pastor Shirley Caesar-Williams, were co-pastors of Raleigh’s Mount Calvary Word of Faith.
Along with pastoring, Bishop Williams was an accomplished pianist and songwriter, guesting on his wife’s projects Sailin’ (vocals on “Time to Come Back Home”), Stand Still (spoken word on “Step Out”) and Shirley Caesar Live …He Will Come (piano on his composition “Our Father”).
In addition to Pastor Caesar, Bishop Williams is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Elder Hope and Prophet Marc Mason, grandchildren, and a host of additional relatives, friends, and spiritual sons and daughters. His son, acclaimed jazz pianist Harold I. Williams, Jr. preceded him in death.
With bittersweetness, GMF bids Bishop Williams adieu and extends heartfelt condolences to Pastor Caesar-Williams and family.
Update (7/6/14 at 2:07 am) – Elder Hope Mason has shared homegoing information for her father, Bishop Williams. She notes via Facebook that “the Friday night service is a musical memorial and his remains will be available for viewing from 12:00-6:00 pm Friday afternoon, but not at the service.”
Update (7/9/14 at 7:30 am) – Elder Hope Mason has provided updated homegoing information for Bishop Williams. The latest information includes lodging accommodations (click image below to enlarge).
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Pastor Caesar and The Williams family
Saying goodbye to a loved one is surely one of life’s most difficult tasks. There are no words powerful enough, no music soothing enough to ease your pain at a time like this. But I know you will find consolation in knowing how much you loved and cared for each other. The precious memories of time you spent together will heal you and make you whole again. And you will understand what a blessing it was to have shared in the life of someone you loved so much. Though you say good bye for now, it is only until you meet again someday. When your emptiness will turn to fulfillment, your despair to joy and you will love again for eternity in that place where no one grows old. May it comfort you to know that Bishop Williams is now at peace. In ways big and small Bishop Williams life changed our world and left it a better place and touched too many hearts to ever be forgotten. May you find comfort in knowing how many people share your sadness?
I wish there was something more we could say or do to take away your suffering, but instead please know that we care for you and we are here for you. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time
Rev. and Mrs Wayne Lee
Durham, North Carolina
My prayers go out to Pastor Caesar and family . May God continue to keep and give Pastor strength as well as the family during their great lost of a great Bishop.
Pastor,
My prayers and thoughts for God's comfort for you and your family during one of your most challenging hours. Keep holding on to God, for His promises are YEA and Amen.
His blessings..
Dr. Gwendolyn Biggers
A Stalwart Ambassador for Christ has passed from labor to reward. Whereas he has touched the lives of so many preachers and laity he shall therefore live forever though us. May his legacy reign forever! RIP OUR BISHOP.
Apostle A. B.McNair,Sr.
Our prayers are with you Pastor Shirley. From my family
Condolences and prayers to Pastor Caesar and family and to the entire church body.
My condolences and prayers to Pastor Caesar and her family.
GOD BLESS YOU AND STRENGTHEN YOU, I REMEMBER HIM FROM BISHOP R.A. CARRS HOME GOING, WHEN HE SPOKE IN HIS BEHALF, A VERY DISTINGUISH, MAN OF GOD.MOST OF ALL I WAS THERE WHEN HE SENT YOU ROSES WHEN YOU WERE ENGAGED AT YOUR CONCERT IN BALTIMORE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY.
So sorry to her this…Shirley has spent so much of her life encouraging us with her anointing…now it's time for us to encourage her heart…W e pray for her strength…