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October 2, 2018
My encounter with Rev. & Mrs. Williams...
I had an unfortunate confrontation with Rev. Dr. H. Leon Williams, Sr. and First tady Frankie
Handy-williams on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Reeves Temple C.M.E. Church. Addie
Geyen and I had gone to the church to pick up a voucher when I encountered Mrs. Williams in
the sanctuary. After exchanging a few common pleasantries I asked Mrs. Williams if her family
was still living in the church parsonage. My hope was to put to rest rumors that the first family
had moved into another home. Mrs. Williams refused to answer the question and in no
uncertain terms stated it was none of my business. Her tone of voice, demeanor and
subsequent behavior was very antagonistic and unbecoming of a First Lady or any lady. She
intentionally shoved up against me as she made her way out of the sanctuary. Mrs. Williams
then stormed into the Secretary's office where the Pastor was working and brought him into
the conversation. I quickly asked the Pastor the same question and in turn he asked me why did
I need to know? My response was that as a Trustee, I believe the church should take action to
do something with the parsonage, if it is vacant. The Pastor then stated I was not a Trustee and
that all officers in the church are vacant. He too refused to answer the question, basically
saying it was none of my business. His demeanor during our conversation was similar to that of
his wife.
To sav that this encounter was shocking and disappointing is an understatementl The behavior
of Rev. & Mrs. Williams was not what I expected and certainly not what I ever hope to see again
from the Shepherd of our church and his wife. As I stated to Rev. Williams on Saturday, I have
lost all respect for him, which coincidentally didn't seem to bother him at all, as his reply was,
Oh welll
It's time for a change at Reeves...it's time for a new Shepherd, a new Pastor.
Ue(il;
CarolCollins
Trustee Board