Harold Ivory Williams was a renowned bishop, pastor, and husband of the gospel singer Shirley Caesar. He passed away on July 4, 2014, at the age of 93. His cause of death has not been officially announced, but he had been suffering from some physical problems for a while. In this article, we will pay tribute to his life and legacy, and celebrate his contributions to the gospel community.
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Early Life and Education
Harold Ivory Williams was born on April 20, 1921, in Benton, Maryland. He attended the Frederick Douglass High School and later earned his B.A. Degree from Coppin State College. He also obtained a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry from Howard University in Washington, D.C. He furthered his studies at the St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland.
Ministry and Leadership
Williams joined the Mount Calvary Holy Church at the age of 16. In 1949, he pastored his first church in Washington D.C., Mount Calvary Holy Church #1. The church later merged with the Christ is the Answer Church pastored by Rev. Alfred Owens to become Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church. The church, with over 4000 members, is also the national headquarters for Mt. Calvary Holy Churches of America, Inc.
In 1958, Williams co-founded the Mount Calvary Holy Temple in Baltimore, Maryland with his mother, Ethel Williams, and his first wife, Amanda Williams. In 1972, Williams was appointed the Sr. Bishop and Overseer of the Mount Calvary Holy Churches of America, Inc., which has grown to over 60 churches in the United States and abroad since 1948.
Williams was also a member of various clergy associations and councils, such as the Minister Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity; the Baltimore Clergy In Action; the Pastor’s Conference; the Pentecostal Ministers Alliance; and the Bishop’s Council International. He was known as a gentle and strong leader with a knack for developing other leaders.
Personal Life and Family
Williams and Amanda Williams were married for 35 years before her death, and were the parents of two children, Harold I. Williams Jr, and Hope Ivey Mason. He also had two grandchildren. He married Shirley Caesar in 1983. The couple were co-pastors of the 1,500-member Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina until his death.
Williams and Caesar shared a loving and supportive relationship. Caesar said, “Inspite of that, I love looking after him. I love being there to answer his needs.” She also said, “The fun time is when we can say crazy things to each other and fall out laughing about them. Bishop Williams is crazy, but I love that gentleman and I thank God for him.”
Legacy and Impact
Williams left a lasting impact on the gospel community and beyond. He was a mentor, a friend, and a father figure to many. He was also a visionary, a pioneer, and a trailblazer in the field of ministry. He touched countless lives with his preaching, teaching, and counseling. He was a man of faith, integrity, and humility.
His wife, Shirley Caesar, is one of the most celebrated gospel singers of all time. She has won 11 Grammy Awards, 14 Stellar Awards, and many other honors. She is also known as the “First Lady of Gospel Music” and the “Queen of Gospel Music”. She has credited her husband for being her source of strength and inspiration.
Williams’ life and legacy will be remembered and honored by his family, friends, and followers. He was a gospel legend who left behind a rich heritage of faith and love. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
