BUFFALO, N.Y. — William Gillison, the pastor at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Buffalo, passed away on Monday.
The church announced his passing late Monday night.
Originally from South Carolina, Pastor Gillison moved to Buffalo and became pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in 1981. He served as moderator of the Great Lakes Baptist Association, an association of churches across Western New York. He also served with many other organizations.
In 1994, Pastor Gillison was behind the $3 million church with a sanctuary seating approximately 1,200 people.
He received several awards over the years, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award.
Pastor Gillison and his wife Antonia had four children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pastor Gillison founded the Mt. Olive Development Corp. in 1991.
He has served as President of the Baptist Ministers' Conference of Buffalo