Williams Memorial CME, High Point, NC,
Sees Vision Come True with Opening and Dedication

Cloudy skies, a steady rain and cold temperatures did not dampen the enthusiastic spirit that emanated from the estimated 2,000 participants at the Grand Opening Consecration and Dedication Ceremonies of Williams Memorial CME Church in High Point, NC, on Sunday, December 19, 2004. Amid a steady rain and 37-degree temperatures, the opening service began with a symbolic march around the huge parking lot to the doors of the cathedral where a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place. Following the ribbon cutting, Pastor Robert Williams led the processional into the spacious sanctuary singing “We’re marching to Zion.”         

Confirming the chosen theme, the Holy Spirit took charge of the scheduled 11 o’clock program. For more than ten minutes following a soul-stirring, heart-rending rendition of “Every Day is A Day of Thanksgiving” by the dynamic Williams Memorial Celebration Choir, the Holy Spirit was so much in evidence that many in the choir and audience shouted and danced in a demonstration of its power. The spirit increased dramatically from that point on and permeated the entire service.

With family members, friends and many special guests in attendance, the Williams Memorial family celebrated the goodness of God, which was highlighted by a soul-stirring sermon by Pastor Williams embellishing the theme “Celebrating the Vision.” General Secretary of Christian Education Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, Mrs. Cora Crutchfield, and three staff members of the Department of Christian Education made the 11-hour trip from Memphis, TN, to celebrate with the Williams Memorial family. The weather was threatening with travel uncertain and treacherous. Nevertheless, Dr. Crutchfield’s staff gladly made the trip to join the celebration. The inspiration to attend was spurred by the outstanding assistance rendered by Pastor Williams and the Williams Memorial family during the 2004 Youth and Young Adult Conference on July 5-9, 2004. It was due to their cooperative spirits, tireless efforts and many personal sacrifices that the Youth and Young Adult Conference enjoyed its tremendous success in Greensboro, NC, which, attended by more than 7,000 people, made it the largest attendance of CMEs in modern history.

Following the highly spirited morning service, attendees were served a delicious meal in the beautiful and spacious Fellowship Hall of the church and visitors were escorted on a tour of the magnificent facility. In addition to its state-of-the art sanctuary, the church houses numerous classrooms, a library and provided many ministries to members and the community.

The new edifice occupies space on 22 acres of land performing such ministries as Children’s Church, Praise Dancers, Interpretive Praise Dancers, a Step team, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Couples Ministry, Men-to-Men, Morning Glory Prayer Ministry, a Homebound Ministry and a GED Program. Organized church recreational activities include: basketball, softball and a bowling league. A Grant Writing Committee was formed to write and obtain grants for various programs such as the scouting program. An information Technology Committee was also formed to assist in the development of a networking system for the technical needs of the church.

The erection of the new edifice was necessitated due to the growth of the many ministries and worship capability of the former church.

Rev. Williams says, “Adequate sitting space in the sanctuary, classrooms, and the fellowship hall became a rare commodity. These space concerns partnered with having multiple worship services practically mandated that we build another facility that could house all of the ministries that were taking place in our congregation.”

The services therefore completed a dream that was almost eleven
years in the making. 

The celebration continued with the dedication and consecration afternoon service at 4 PM and, the Holy Spirit was still very much in evidence. The crowd of worshippers included several CME pastors and parishioners from across the Carolina region, city and county officials, and many other families and friends. Presiding Prelate Bishop Charles L. Helton was the afternoon speaker and, in a sermon befitting the occasion, spoke on the subject “A Divine Presence of God in an Inspiring Temple.” (1Kings 6:11-14). Not only is the Williams Memorial Cathedral and inspiring edifice, it houses some of the most inspiring people of God.

Williams Memorial CME Church is located at 3400 Triangle Lake Road. You are invited to worship with the Williams family whenever you’re in the High Point, NC.