The Rev. Dr. Austin F. Williams, pastor of True Vine Baptist Church, is retiring from pastoral ministry after more than five decades of Christian and community service.
His retirement celebration is set for Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m., at True Vine, located at 1437 Centinela Avenue in Inglewood. His sister, recording artist Blinky Williams, will be among the guests along with the Rev. Wayne Anthony, local ministers, and city officials to participate in the worship service.
Inviting the public to attend the celebration, Blinky Williams described her brother as a “giant pastor of Inglewood,” who inspired his congregation to purchase the current edifice in 1985.
“Under his leadership, vision and through prayer, he has made many accomplishments including establishing the A.F. Williams Christian Academy (pre-school through 8th grade), Glorious Praise Dance Academy, Cameron Eugene Children’s Library and Family Life Center,” she said.
Dr. Williams also founded a sober living home for men, a community computer center, and a Boy Scouts of America unit. In addition, he instituted a range of special programs focused on improving mental health, substance abuse prevention, head start for toddlers and preschoolers, and an evangelism curriculum for youth and adults.
During his tenure of 52 years, Dr. Williams served as president of the Inglewood Ministers Interdenominational Association, president of the California Baptist State Congress of Christian Education, and president emeritus of the Fellowship Baptist District Association. Also, he chaired the planning committee of the Inglewood MLK Annual Parade and Celebration for three consecutive years.
His honors and commendations include receiving the Frontline Soldier Award for visible community participation from the Inglewood Gathering of Men: Pathway to Your Future Coalition and being named Golden Hour Pastor of the Year by the Educational Board of the California Baptist Convention.
Dr. Williams earned his B.A. degree in Theology at California Baptist College and graduated from the Los Angeles Baptist Joint Theological Seminary (now known as The Master’s University). He was also conferred an honorary doctorate degree from Southern California Theological Seminary.
