PHOTOS: Community Celebrates Life of Civil Rights Activist Rev. William Lawson

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HOUSTON — Several Houston community members paid their respects to Reverend William A. Lawson, the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, who passed away on May 14 at the age of 95.

Rev. Lawson’s body lied in state from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 23. A Community Service of Celebration was held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, drawing several Houstonians to Wheeler Avenue. The final service, which was the Congregational Service of Celebration, was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 24.

The pastoral robe of Rev. William “Bill” Lawson are seen during a community celebration in his honor at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Rev. Lawson, a prominent civil rights leader, was known for his significant contributions to the civil rights movement. He played a crucial role in desegregating Houston and was closely associated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. until King’s assassination.

Ministers lead the family into the sanctuary at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Family members of Rev. William “Bill” Lawson are seen before his community celebration at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Lawson moved to Houston to become the director of the Baptist Student Union at Texas Southern University. He founded Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in 1962, which grew from 13 members to over 15,000 under his leadership. Throughout his career, he was deeply involved in advocating for social justice, setting up a local chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and supporting various civil rights initiatives.

Rep. Al Green speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Choir members perform during a community celebration in honor of Rev. William “Bill” Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

In addition to his work with the church, Lawson was instrumental in various community projects, including establishing affordable housing and single-gender charter schools. His efforts were recognized by numerous accolades, including having part of Rice University’s campus named “The William A. Lawson Grove” in his honor.

Members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity are seen during the community celebration for Rev. William “Bill” Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Lawson’s legacy is marked by his ability to bring together communities and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. He is remembered as a beacon of peace and a transformative figure in both Houston and the civil rights movement.

Rev. William “Bill” Lawson’s daughters Cheryl Lawson, left, Melanie Lawson, Roxanne Lawson speak about their father during a celebration in honor of Rev. William “Bill” Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024, in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Mourners pay their respects for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, May 23, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Pallbearers carry the casket of Rev. William “Bill” Lawson into sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for a community celebration on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
People enter the sanctuary for a community celebration in honor of Rev. William “Bill” Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Mourners pay their respects for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, May 23, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
The choir sings during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Family members, including daughter Melanie Lawson, in red, make their way to the sanctuary at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Historic photos are shown during a video tribute for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Ministers lead the family into the sanctuary at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson’s robes are carried into the sanctuary of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church during the celebration of life for the church’s founder on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Mourners bow their heads in prayer during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
Rep. Al Green, and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee greet one another as they pay tribute to The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson during the celebration of life for Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.
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