History of the Thaddeus and Lena Williams Community Center

In 1986, Jackson Street United Methodist Church purchased the property that would one day become the community center. From the beginning, the church saw the potential to use the space as more than a building—it was to become an extension of the church’s mission to serve, uplift, and empower the neighborhood.

No two individuals embodied that mission more fully than Rev. Thaddeus Williams and his wife, Lena.

While Rev. Thaddeus Williams served as pastor of Jackson Street UMC for only a season (June 1975-October 1976), he was a respected spiritual leader whose wisdom, compassion, and tireless advocacy left a deep imprint on generations of congregants and community members. His sermons inspired hope; his outreach changed lives.

Lena Williams, the embodiment of what it meant to be a pastor’s wife was also a dedicated educator in the public school system and devoted her life to teaching, mentoring, and nurturing young people. Whether in the classroom or volunteering in church ministries, Lena was known for her warmth, grace, and fierce belief in the potential of every child and person she encountered.

Together, they formed a powerful team—united by faith, guided by love, and driven by a profound sense of responsibility to their community.