Remembering Rev. Bill Lawson: Second service to be held for Houston civil rights icon pastor at Wheeler Avenue Baptist

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church will be filled with thousands to honor the life of founder Rev. William A. Lawson, a civil rights icon and respected clergyman, in a final service.

Rev. Lawson, also known as “the pastor of Houston,” died May 14 at age 95.

You can watch the service for Rev. Lawson in the video player above, starting at 11 a.m.

Thursday evening, a celebration of songs and stories was held for the man who took Wheeler Avenue from 13 parishioners in 1962 to more than 12,000 today.

RELATED: Rev. Bill Lawson, Founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 95

He retired in 2004 but continued as pastor emeritus.

He was a pastor, a pioneer of equality and a builder of bridges.

“Despite his gentle demeanor, Rev. Lawson’s impact was profound. He had a unique ability to convey powerful and sometimes difficult messages with gentle words, inspiring change and reflection,” said Martin Cominsky, CEO and President of Interfaith Ministries, in front of a packed house. cathedral.

Lawson was the father of four children, including longtime ABC13 anchor Melanie Lawson. She and her family were there Thursday evening.

“I will cherish the gift he gave me. I am honored to have known him, to receive that big hug from him, that big smile that melted my heart and a prayer that would carry me through day,” said Eileen Morris. » from the Ensemble Theater said during the service.

WATCH: Lawson Legacy: How Rev. Bill Lawson Became Houston’s Pastor

The public was invited for a visitation to pay their respects to Lawson, who was laid to rest earlier in the day.

Lawson worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement and founded Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church with his wife, Audrey. The couple was married for 61 years before his death in 2015.