Our Reverend
Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams was born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx, New York. He graduated from Evander Childs High School in the Bronx. After graduation, he attended C.W. Post College in Greenvale, New York, and received the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Academic Scholarship in 1974. In 1978, he graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts and Secondary Education. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Rev. Dr. Williams was brought up in the Co-op City Baptist Church. He attended Sunday School and was baptized int he Church. As he grew more mature in the Lord, he taught Sunday School and became a walking deacon.
Rev. Dr. Williams was licensed to preach the gospel in October 1984. He received his Masters of Divinity from the New York Theological Seminary in May 1988, and became an ordained Baptist Minister in November 1988.
He was the recipient of Who’s Who Outstanding Young Men of America in 1988.
From June 1989 until June 1992, he was an Associate Minister at Community Baptist Church in Jessup, Maryland. While there, he worked with the prison ministry, headed Vacation Bible School and worked with the youth ministries. It was a period of growth and preparation as the Lord continued to prepare him for the pastoral ministry.
On October 4, 1992, Rev. Dr. Williams became the Pastor of the Co-op City Baptist Church in the Bronx, New York. Under his leadership, the Church has grown spiritually, financially and in membership. His goal is to lead God’s people through the guidance of the Holy Spirit during the 21st century. The Church has purchased property and plans to build a new edifice in the near future.
Dr. Williams has been blessed to minister in Africa and the West Indies.
Rev. Dr. Williams received his Doctorate of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio in May 1995. He was elected to the Executive Board of Directors of the NAACP Co-op City Branch, on December 22, 1996.
In January of 1998, Rev. Dr. Williams was elected to the Executive Board of the Coalition of African American Churches and Community Organizations of Co-op City.
Dr. Williams has received various prestigious awards from organizations such as the NAACP, the Retirees of Co-op City, Town & Country Family Center, just to name a few. He has also received awards from political leaders Councilman Larry Seabrook and Congressman Joseph Crowley. Dr. Williams has been selected as a member of Who’s Who In Executives and Professionals for the year 2002-2003.
In September of 2005, Dr. Williams started the Co-op City Inter-generational Outreach Center, Inc., where he serves as the Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Williams is the author of Principle Centered Living: 9 Reasons To Maintain Your Values In A Pressure Filled World. He is also the President and CEO of SEW Universal, LLC. Dr. Williams also co-hosted the radio show Principle Centered Living Radio on WMCA 570 in New York for several years. Dr. Williams serves as the Northeast Faith Commander for the National Black Church Initiative and also serves as the President of the National Black Religious Broadcasters Online.
Rev. Dr. Williams is married to the former Marilyn Cecelia Townes and they have one son,
Sheldon Emery Williams, Jr. The family resides in Norwalk, Connecticut.