Uncrowned Community Builders

Reverend William Gillison is a native of Beaufort, South Carolina. He was educated in the Lackawanna, New York School System. In 1967, Rev. Gillison married Antonia Davis and through this union was born three children, Dwayne, Crystal and Russell.
Before and after entering the United States Army in 1965, Rev. Gillison sang with a Gospel group known as the "Gospel Six" of Buffalo, New York. For twenty years, the Lord blessed the group with travel throughout the United States and Canada and national recognitions through radio, television and various recordings.

Dr. Gillison was called into the ministry in August of 1980 and became Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in June 1981. The Church purchased 5 acres of land at 701 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, New York, for its new three million dollar home. Construction of the new home of Mt. Olive Baptist Church began in April 1994. In October 1995 a long procession marched into the sanctuary which seats approximately 1200 persons with a chapel overflow, 16 classrooms, an all purpose hall for sports and dining. On December 2, 2001, six years later, the 20 year mortgage was paid.
Pastor William Gillison is President and founder of the Mt. Olive Development Corporation, Director of the Ministers' Division of the Empire State Congress of Christian Education, Second Vice President of the District Congress of Christian Education. He is presently a member of the City of Buffalo Master Plan Commission, a member of the Eighth Judicial District Advisory Council, Advisory Board of an organization called "Athletes in Action" which has allowed him to minister to many of the National Football League (NFL) Teams.

He has served as President of the Baptist Ministers' Conference of Buffalo and Vicinity, Chairman to the Equal Rights Commission of the National Baptist Convention, U. S. A. Inc., an Instructor in the State and Local Congress of Christian Education, Board Member of the Gospel Community Hour, Delavan-Grider Concerned Citizens, St. Augustine's Home Health Care Services, Grace Manor Nursing Home Foundation, Campus Ministries at the University of Buffalo, Board Member Meals On Wheels and Historian of the Great Lakes Baptist Association and an Advisory Board Member of Group Ministries.
Rev. Gillison is also a recipient of many awards, including the National Conference Brother/Sisterhood Interfaith Award, presented by the National Conference of Christians and Jews; Women's Council, International Christian Friends Award for Outstanding Dedication and Commitment to the Community; Service Award from the Buffalo Lutheran Employment Service; Outstanding Service as Pastor, Preacher, and Community Leader from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Crozer Theological Seminary and recipient of the first New York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award for major contributions toward human and civil rights, presented by New York State Governor George E. Pataki.

Rev. Gillison is the recipient of Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Jesus The Liberator Seminary, Buffalo, New York and Triune Biblical University and Seminary, Kelso, Washington. Pastor Gillison also does a number of different broadcast programs: "The Answer" on TCT (Total Christian Television)is a National / International Broadcast. The Radio program the "JUST A VOICE" on 1080 WUFO - is a weekly broadcast that deals with local, State, and National issues the light of the Bible.
Rev. Gillison has also been honored by SADOO Enterprise, INC. as a Distinguished Citizen. He has also been honored by the Samaritan Center as a "Good Samaritan.

Out of all he has experienced, he recognizes that God has allowed him to accomplish much in a short span of time. God has brought him on the wings of eagles.

To God Be The Glory!