by Contributing Writer, Cheryl Howard
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church sits right in the heart of what is known in Sacramento to be a predominantly black neighborhood called Oak Park. The noble Pastor Ephraim Williams for 49-years was commissioned by God to be a beacon of light for that community.
On July 26th, 2020, St Paul, via virtual viewing, celebrated the Man of God and the end of his 49-years of Pastoring and for his faithful service to the people of Oak Park and surrounding communities. Pastor Williams shepherded with much compassion, with wisdom and with the spiritual insight that empowered people with faith and hope.
A select few were allowed to physically attend the ceremony as they were mandated to wear a mask. City officials, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg presented Pastor Williams with the Key to the City and remarks were made by an Oak Park native himself, Sacramento’s Police Chief, Chief Daniel Hahn. Guest clergy gave well deserved accolades and shared the impact that Pastor Williams has had on their lives and ministries. Vocalists sang songs of praise and Pastor’s successor, Pastor Kenneth Reece, was presented to all and with eloquence Pastor Reece gave appreciation to the guest of honor. Pastor Williams is highly revered in Sacramento. His up close and personal method of hands on ministry has touched hundreds, if not thousands of lives over the span of his 49-year regime.
St. Paul began modestly as a small church in the same location. Pastor Williams said, “I led the church to build a new edifice because the old one was just too small.” Under his leadership they also erected a gymnasium for the youth and the Family Life Center. “God has blessed under my administration and the people of St. Paul, our church is now paid for, and the Family Life Center is paid for.” said Pastor Williams. Pastor continued and was humble to admit that St. Paul owns 29 lots within the Oak Park community. Many years ago, he spoke to his board consistently about buying property. “Anything that comes available we need to buy it because God is not making no more land.” He chuckled.
Pastor has a great affinity for youth. The gym is an alternative place for them to hang out and to keep them off the streets. Pastor spoke very passionately about reaching and teaching young people. “The power of God that lives in us and with the determination that we should have we should teach our young people how to vote!” he exclaimed. He said we should teach the youth how to be in the political positions of power, because we do not have enough black representatives in position. Pastor recalls when he was a teen and he said to his mother that he can’t do the math. His mother responded. “Son “can’t” died on Calvary. There is nobody smarter than you, they just have more breaks than you.” His mother was wise.
The issue of racism has been widespread. When asked about if he has been personally affected by racism, Pastor said he blocks out any racial disparities if any, and if anyone says anything outside his own name, he just keeps going. He continued to say, “One of the mistakes we make as African Americans is, we should never allow our color to be a hindrance for us, never!”
Always surrounded by the love of his church family, Pastor Williams never forgets his First Lady and the love of his life, the late Carrie Sue Williams. She has been gone on to be with the Lord 11years now. Pastor now in his eighties states that up until her passing, they were married, “55years, 5months, 2weeks and 4days.” he recalls. From that union they had 2 children. A son and a daughter. Sadly, he lost his 32-year-old son to health complications. His daughter works in the ministry. Pastor Williams has made many strides and has brought St. Paul to wondrous heights in the Oak Park community. He may not be the Pastor anymore, but his prayers and his love for St. Paul and his community will never end.
Most of us have not seen anything like COVID-19. Pastor Williams is amazed at how people are not taking it seriously. “Why can’t we learn with what we see with our own eyes?” he said. St. Paul has been extremely proactive in the fight against COVID-19. In partnership with the Sacramento County Public Health Department, Free COVID testing will resume on August 14, 2020. Future testing will be on -Fridays 1:00pm -5:00pm. at the St. Paul church campus. For questions, contact at 916-737-7070 or email info@stpaulsac.org.
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Cheryl Denice Howard is a freelance writer and in her short career has successfully written three stageplays, was editor and creator of three community newsletters, and while in college had more than 30 articles published. Her favorite genre of writing is Opinion. She won an award for opinion writing, and it was well deserved. She is currently working on her first screenplay while pursuing a Bachelor degree in Journalism with a Minor in Creative Writing.
