Pastor William Watson

William L Watson is a second-generation pastor/teacher who is singularly focused on communicating the word of God to meet the needs of people. He chooses to do this by knowing God intimately through the person of Jesus Christ and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to make God known to the world.

William currently serves as the visionary shepherd and compassionate pastor at the Historic First Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. His innovative leadership style is being demonstrated through facility renovations; increased membership; two weekly radio broadcasts on 97.7 and 96 KIX; a reconciliatory relationship with First Baptist Church N. Highland, and City Fellowship Church. He was also instrumental in the development of the Praise in the Park, worship with the city of Jackson. Rev. Watson is currently an Instructor in the local Baptist association and the Tennessee Missionary Baptist Educational State Congress. He is currently the Moderator of the Browns Creek District Association of Churches; the State President of the Moderators Division for the Tennessee Baptist Missionary & Education Convention; and the Chairman of the Church Growth and Development Board for the National Baptist Convention America, International Inc.

Pastor Watson previously served as Assistant and Executive Pastor at Cummings Street Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee under the leadership of Pastor Gary L. Faulkner. In his tenure, he served also as the Minister of Pastoral Care, Youth Pastor, Young Adult Pastor, and Director of Ministry/Christian Education.