Alpha Church was first conceptualized by Victor H. Williams in the 1930s. Williams, a public school teacher, was thought to be an eccentric who's ideals and beliefs were weird. What no one realized was that Mr. Williams was being prepared by Spirit to lead people into a new era of consciousness. Mr. Williams would be stricken ill (a heart attack) before he decided to say "yes" the Spirit of God. This humble submission led Victor Williams into an in-depth study of scripture.
Victor would go on to complete ministerial training becoming ordained to the ministry. He then organized a small band of believers for bible study and worship in the Orange Mound community. Alpha Church would be born in 1938 at 508 Boston Street. This small edifice would be dedicated to the glory of God and the service to mankind. It was here that now-Elder Victor H. Williams would continue to teach Spiritual Truth and principles.
A short time and considerable growth later, Elder Williams and the congregation secured another site - this time on McLemore Avenue as the new home for Alpha Church. It was a bit larger than its nexus yet offered room for growth. Worship and bible study continued until the building was not renewed for renting purposes. Our present location (1084 E. McLemore) was a larger edifice that caught Elder Williams eye. Alpha Church family moved in by 1946. The church experienced a minor tragedy when a fire damaged part of the sanctuary. Alpha got together and quickly set work to repair their home. The repaired "beautiful sanctuary" was revealed on Christmas Eve - this time featuring a stunning marble rostrum and the King Solomon Altar.
During the lifetime of Bishop Victor H. Williams, Sr. many accomplishments flourished. A day care which provided not only a source of income for the church but an outreach opportunity was added. A legendary radio broadcast over radio station WDIA was instituted in the 1940s. This media ministry was sandwiched between St. Matthew Baptist Church at 8pm and Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ at 10pm. The Alpha Church Choir could be heard coming on the air singing, "I Know the Lord God, He is Able (in Me)". Few would enter the doors of Alpha at 9pm to witness the wonderful works of through Bishop Williams, Sr. The highlight of the broadcast was his call to, "GET YOUR WATER CHILDREN! GET YOUR WATER EVERYWHERE!!".
Many ministers have sat under the inspiring teachings of Bishop Victor H. Williams, Sr. Our present pastor, Elder Jessie Gilliland, received ministerial training by the Bishop and she credits her place in ministry to words spoken by Bishop Williams, Sr. that she would preach some day. Now the Religious Science class taught by Elder Sharon Britt-Turner reflects on the foundation set by Bishop Williams, Sr. in order to keep the traditions of Alpha Church alive for generations to come.
Bishop Victor H. Williams, Sr. lived a full and robust life. Travelling the length and breadth of the country, he established friendships and relationships wherever he went. Journeying to Africa, Bishop returned with artifacts which furnished his office. On a trip to the Holy Land, he returned with water from the Jordan River which was placed on the altar and used during the Healing Water Service.
Bishop Victor Hugo Williams, Sr. ended his earthly commune February 28, 1985 at the age of 80 years, 5 months and 22 days.