Convent Avenue Baptist Church
Staff & Leaders

Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams

Reverend Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Jr. is the fourth, distinguished Senior Pastor of the prominent Convent Avenue Baptist Church of Harlem. Dr. Williams was licensed to preach the Gospel in 1983 at the Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, Topeka, KS. and was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in December 1990 at the West Side Baptist Church, St. Louis, MO. Prior to accepting the call from Convent Avenue, Dr. Williams served sixteen years as Pastor of the historic Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church of St. Louis. Dr. Williams has adopted the words of Paul in II Corinthians 5:18 as his philosophy of ministry which states, “And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” Dr. Williams’ ministry is guided by this spiritual principle and is evidenced by the fruits of his labor in preparation and service. Under Dr. Williams’ leadership the Convent Avenue Church Family has significantly increased in membership, worship attendance, and stewardship commitments. In 2011, Dr. Williams published his first book, “A Remedy for Itching Ears: Christian Doctrine Remixed for a new Generation of Believers” and in 2013 a companion workbook was published to enhance this learning experience which was birthed out of a yearlong Bible Study on Christian Doctrine. As a visionary, who understands the plethora of societal needs, Rev. Dr. Williams is constantly seeking the face of God for wisdom, guidance, and discernment in spiritually leading and effecting holistic change not only for the Convent Avenue Church family but the Harlem Community at large. Reverend Dr. Williams was born in Akron, Ohio and is married to the lovely Gelaine R. Williams. They are the proud parents of one son, Jesse T. Williams, III.