REVEREND DR. WILLIAM GILLISON
Born to William and Sallie Gillison, Dr. William Gillison is a native of Beaufort, South Carolina. Before and after entering the United States Army in 1965, he sang with a Gospel Group know as the “Gospel Six” of Buffalo, New York. During this span of time (20 years), the Lord blessed the group to travel throughout the United States and Canada, and received national recognition through radio, television and various recordings.
Pastor Gillison was called into the ministry in August, 1980 and became Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Buffalo, New York in June 1981. In 1994, Dr. Gillison led God’s people into its present three million dollar home. The sanctuary seats approximately 1200 persons with a chapel overflow, 16 classrooms and an all purpose hall for lectures and dining. In December 2001, the 20-year mortgage was paid off in six years.
Pastor William Gillison is founder and President of the Mt. Olive Development Corp., a Community Development Corporation.
- Area Vice President of the Empire State Convention
- First Vice-Moderator of the Great Lakes Baptist Association
- Director of the Ministers’ Division of the Empire State Congress of Christian Education
- Member of the Eighth Judicial District Advisory Council
- Advisory Board Member of Athletes in Action
- Ecumenical Chair of the Black Leadership Commission On Aids [BLCA] of Buffalo, New York
Pastor Gillison has served as President of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Buffalo and Vicinity; an Instructor in the State and Local Congress of Christian Education, Board Member of the Erie County Medical Center; Grace Manor Nursing Home Foundation; Campus Ministries at the University of Buffalo and Advisory Board Member of Group Ministries.
- Recipient of Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Jesus The Liberator Seminary, Buffalo, New York and Triune Biblical University and Seminary, Kelso, Washington;
- First recipient of the State of New York Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award;
- National Conference Brother/Sisterhood Interfaith Award for Outstanding 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;
- Erie Community College Community Collaboration Award.
- Distinguished Citizen Award awarded by SADOO Enterprise, Inc.
Pastor Gillison hosts a number of different broadcasts. "THE ANSWER" on TCT (Total Christian Television) is a National/International Broadcast. The Radio program "JUST A VOICE" on 1080 WUFO which is a weekly broadcast that deals with local, State, and National issues.
Pastor Gillison is the husband of the former Antonia Davis, the father of four children: Mia, Dwayne, Crystal and Russell, a grandfather and great-grandfather. 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!