Retires after 44 years of service and leadership
By Joan Harrell
For the St. Louis American
Antioch Baptist Church recently held a glorious retirement celebration for the Reverend William Collins Jr., who retired after 44 years of pastoral leadership. The well-organized event was held at the Airport Marriott Hotel, and the list of speakers included a who’s who of prominent clergy and political representatives.
“When I first met him I realized then he had the ability to relate the gospel message,” the Reverend Duane Sleet said.
“He was a servant leader and was always present to give guidance.”
Charles Bryson, a representative of Mayor Francis Slay, presented Collins with a proclamation citing his leadership and service.
“It’s a good thing for me that Mayor Slay was unable to attend because there’s no place I would rather be than here,” Bryson said.
“Dr. Collins was dedicated to improving the quality of life for others, and he provided day care to many families in the Ville. Dr. Collins was a great spiritual leader.”
A St. Louis native, Collins was educated through the St. Louis Public Schools system. He attended Divoll Elementary School and was a graduate of Vashon High School. Collins attended Stowe’s Teacher College and earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University. He earned a master’s of divinity degree in 1960 from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, N.Y.
Always an advocate of academic achievement, Collins continued his education and earned his master’s in education from the University of Rochester. Collins holds doctorate degrees in divinity and philosophy, as well as an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Eastern Nebraska Christian College in Valley, Neb.
Collins and his wife Margaret joined Antioch in 1955. Ordained by Antioch in 1958, he served as Minister of Education for the next three years. In 1961 he was installed as the church’s eighth pastor after the death of the Reverend Cook.
Under his leadership, Antioch assisted hundreds of college students through the James E. Cook Scholarship Fund. He also led a 3.5 million-dollar campaign to increase the services of Antioch and started a food pantry.
Antioch Baptist Church is a landmark in the Ville. Established in 1878, Antioch has served as a beacon of hope in a community that has seen major changes throughout its history.
Since taking over as pastor, Collins has helped Antioch grow by developing community service programs and outreach ministries. He is especially proud of the new sanctuary and fellowship hall at the church.
After a lifetime of public service, Collins said he and his wife Margaret are looking forward to traveling and spending time with their three children and five grandchildren.
The Reverend Donald McNeal of Hopewell Baptist Church spoke about Collins’ service to the community and nearly 50 as pastor of Antioch.
“Reverend Collins is a great man who always took time for the children,” McNeal said. “What he started, he finished, and he is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”
