WS Chronicle

The Rev. Dr. Lamonte Williams, senior pastor of Diggs Memorial United Holy church and president of the Ministers’ Conference of Winston-Salem and Vincinity, has a heart for giving back to the community.  Last week, it was his turn to receive the giving as he was celebrated for his eight-year pastoral anniversary in grand fashion.

The weeklong event included multiple guest speakers and special events throughout the celebration.  Williams also received various letters from the likes of Mayor Allen Joines, District Attorney Jim O’Neill and Clerk of Superior Court Susan Frye, among others.

Williams began his life in the ministry at the tender age of 16 when he obtained his license to preach under Rev. Fred Richardson.  Williams is committed to community outreach traveling abroad on numerous occasions for mission trips as well as in the United States for hurricane relief in various states.  He also is the executive director for the Triad Mentoring Coalition which is a nonprofit that provides mentoring to young men of color.

He is an advocate for education as well.  He is currently employed in the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County School System at Ashley Elementary in the special needs department.  He is also an adjunct professor at Forsyth Tech Community College and Apex School of Theology in Raleigh.

The celebration week culminated with services on Sunday at 11a.m. and 4 p.m.  The speaker for the 11 a.m. service was Dr. J.T. Roberson and for the 4 p.m. service it was Bishop Greg Hargrave.  Williams says he was elated with the events of the week and how everything went so smoothly.

“Eight years seems like it has flown by and a couple times it seemed like the clock stopped,” Williams remarked.  “I cannot thank God enough that it has been consistent.  This week has been excellent because I have had pastors in and out of town come with one message and that message was that my labor has not been in vain.

“When I left seminary, I came to Winston-Salem with one charge and that was to make myself relevant in the community I serve,” he continued.  “Eight years from now I would love to see the church expand spiritually first, physically second and financially third.  I am just excited about the possibility of eight more years of ministry with a group of people that are engaged in their community.”

Hargrave is the president of the Western North Carolina District of the United Holiness Church of America (UHCA).  He is also the pastor of Gospel Tabernacle United Holy Church in Burlington.  He says it was a pleasure to celebrate the anniversary with Williams.

“I am very excited. Dr. Williams is a good friend and I have known him fondly over the years,” said Hargrave.  “I was happy to come as the presiding bishop to be with him and the people here.”