A LEGACY CONTINUES, A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

On September 4, 2025, the One Church One School (OCOS) Board of Directors and Advisory Council convened for a historic and heartfelt occasion — the election of new national leadership.

HONORING THE FOUNDING LEGACY

Dr. Phedonia Johnson, National Director Emerita, opened the meeting with gratitude-filled reflections on her years serving alongside Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Dr. Doris Williamson, and other visionary leaders who built OCOS into a national movement.

She reminded the Board that:

Faith-based school partnerships must remain the heartbeat of OCOS.
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. must always be remembered and celebrated as Founder.

OUR VISION

The vision of the One Church One School Community Partnership Program is that every school in America will partner with one or more neighboring churches to improve the academic achievement, social behavior, and personal development of our children and youth.

OUR MISSION

One Church One School brings together churches and schools in partnerships that teach our children to value life and learning. This national network of church/school partnerships also catalyzes to build bridges between other community-based organizations, social service agencies, business enterprises, and the schools.

SALUTING PAST LEADERSHIP

Outgoing leaders were recognized for their faithful service and enduring impact:

BISHOP HENRY M. WILLIAMSON, SR.

Founder, President & CEO

REV. JERRY
PROTHO

Vice President

REV. DR. CARELL K. CARGLE, EMERITUS

Vice President

MS. ANNE
DANCY

Treasurer

REV. LEON F.
PARKER, III

Secretary

DR. PHEDONIA
JOHNSON

National Director

Their dedication paved the way for OCOS’s next generation of leaders.

A NEW GENERATION STEPS FORWARD

With unanimous support, the Board elected the following officers to lead OCOS into its future:

Rev. Leon F. Parker, III – President & CEO
Rev. Jerry Protho – Vice President
Ms. Adrienna Edwards – National Director
Mrs. Kelli D. Williamson-Key – Secretary
Ms. Shana Isom, CPA – Treasurer
Rev. Peris J. Lester, I – Assistant Treasurer

A STORY THAT COMES FULL CIRCLE

For Rev. Leon F. Parker, III, this moment is deeply personal. A native of Chicago’s Chatham community, Parker attended Ruggles Elementary — the very first OCOS partner school founded by Bishop Williamson and the members of Carter Temple CME Church. Now, the child once touched by the movement leads it into a new era.

“Our children are living in unprecedented times — facing violence, inequities, and immense pressure. That is why One Church One School is not optional; it is essential. Together, we can be the village that saves our children.”
— Rev. Leon F. Parker, III, President & CEO

PASSING THE TORCH

Join the Celebration

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025

THIS EVENT IS FREE. SEATING IS LIMITED. RSVP REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE,

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

WHY GIVE TO ONE CHURCH ONE SCHOOL?

Your gift changes lives.
For more than three decades, One Church One School (OCOS) has united congregations and classrooms across the nation—bridging faith, family, and education to ensure that every child is supported, inspired, and equipped to succeed.

When you give to OCOS, you’re not just donating—you’re investing in the next generation. Every dollar helps us:

Strengthen Schools – Provide tutoring, mentoring, and educational resources in under-resourced communities.

Empower Students – Fund scholarships, leadership development, and student achievement programs. To date, OCOS has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to outstanding students who exemplify excellence in academics, character, and community service.

Equip Churches and Partners – Train faith leaders, educators, and volunteers to form lasting partnerships that nurture both academic and spiritual growth.

Expand the Movement – Establish new One Church One School partnerships nationwide, reaching more children and families each year.

Your contribution fuels a mission that began in one Chicago classroom and now impacts communities across America. Together, we can continue the vision of Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., ensuring that every child is valued, every school is supported, and every church is engaged.

Give today—and be the reason a child believes they can succeed.

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Contributions may also be mailed to: PO Box 19075, Chicago, IL 60619

OCOS BOARD MEMBERS

Dr. Earl Bryant

Rev. Dr. Elde Carrell K Cargle, Sr.- Emeritus

Ms. Anne Dancy

Dr. Kwesi Kamau

Mr. Charles Barnes

Dr. Elnora Hamb

Rev Dr. Joseph Gordon

Bishop Byron Smith

Rev Peris Lester, I

Atty Paul Williams

Rev. Dr. Paul Brown

Bishop Thomas Brown

Adrienna Edwards

Dr. Karen Freeman Wilson

OCOS ADVISORY COUNCIL

Dr. Myra Sampson

Dr. Leo Pinkett

Mrs. Faye Barnes

Rev. David Bryant

Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin

Rev. Dr. Karen Walker-McClure

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BISHOP HENRY M. WILLIAMSON, SR.

Founder, One Church One School Community Partnership Program
52nd Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. served as the 52nd Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church. He was elected on July 3, 2002, at the General Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, and first assigned as the Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District. He later served as the Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District (2010–2014) and the First Episcopal District (2014–2022). Bishop Williamson was honorably retired at the General Conference in 2022.

Bishop Williamson entered eternal rest on December 25, 2024, leaving a remarkable legacy of faith, leadership, and community impact.

Born in Arkansas and reared in Tennessee and Gary, Indiana, Bishop Williamson was called to the ministry in 1967 at Israel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Gary, Indiana. He was ordained Deacon in 1968 and Elder in 1969 by Bishop J. Claude Allen.

A graduate of the historic Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana, Bishop Williamson earned a B.A. in Sociology from Purdue University Calumet, and a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, with advanced work in Clinical Pastoral Education. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary in Monroe, Louisiana.

From 1969 to 2002, Bishop Williamson’s pastoral ministry spanned multiple congregations, including Westside CME (Gary, IN), New Hope CME (Evanston, IL), Pilgrim Temple CME (East St. Louis, IL), Phillips Temple CME (Indianapolis, IN), Central CME (Jacksonville, FL), and Carter Temple CME (Chicago, IL). During his 16-year pastorate at Carter Temple, the congregation grew to over 3,000 active members and more than 50 ministries.

Bishop Williamson was also deeply engaged in civic leadership. He served as National President of PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) from 1991 to 1993, working closely with Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., and continued his service on the National Board of Rainbow/PUSH.

As the Founder and CEO of the One Church One School Community Partnership Program, Bishop Williamson created a nationwide movement linking churches and schools to help students “Value Life and Learning.” Under his leadership, more than 200 partnerships across the country provided tutoring, mentoring, parent engagement, scholarships, and empowerment programs. The CME Church formally adopted a resolution supporting One Church One School at its 1994 General Conference, ensuring its place as a lasting ministry of the denomination.

Bishop Williamson received numerous awards and honors, including Purdue University’s Outstanding Alumni Award, the Keeper of the Dream Award, the PUSH Dream Keepers Award, and the Black Expo Award for Community Leadership. He also held board appointments with Northern Trust Bank and the World Methodist Council of Churches.

Most proud of his family, Bishop Williamson was married to Mrs. Doris Yvonne Williamson, and together they raised two children, Henry Jr. and Kelli Daonne, and were blessed with beloved grandchildren.

Bishop Williamson was a visionary preacher, mentor, and advocate for civil and human rights—especially for children and youth. His life embodied his favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Bishop Williamson’s legacy continues through One Church One School—uniting faith and education to transform communities and inspire generations.