The Reverend Dr. William Charles Howland, Jr., died peacefully in his home in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 2012, surrounded by his family. In his 62 years as an ordained minister, Dr. Howland was a champion of the underserved, underprivileged, and those without a voice. Bill was active in the Civil Rights movement and an inspiration to others in spite of threats to his own career and safety. In later years, Bill advocated for inclusion of individuals with different orientations and continued to emphasize his belief that all people are created equal and all are God's precious children. A gracious, loving, compassionate, and caring man of God, Bill had the ability to make every person he met feel special and loved and was famous for his bear hugs. His passion and special gifts made a difference in our world.
Bill was born on February 5, 1928, to William Charles Howland and Trinnie Ann Morris in Enid, Oklahoma. In high school, he played clarinet, was drum major of the band and played center for the Plainsman football team. He was active in regional and national Disciples of Christ youth work and was elected as a national youth delegate, traveling to Norway in 1946. Bill completed his undergraduate studies at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, and graduate studies at Yale University Divinity School. While at Yale, Bill met the love of his life, Ann Chapel Osgood. They were married December 15, 1951, in New Haven, Connecticut, and began a wonderful, loving partnership of 60 years.
Bill was ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on May 10, 1950, at Central Christian Church in Enid, Oklahoma. He faithfully served Northwest Christian Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Westville Congregational Church in New Haven, Connecticut, First Christian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, First Christian Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas, First Christian Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, First Christian Church in Longview, Texas, University Christian Church in Austin, Texas, and at National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C. He served as Deputy General Minister and President in the General Offices of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada and was Acting President of Phillips Theological Seminary. Bill also served as Interim Minister at First Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Seventh Street Christian Church in Richmond, Virginia, and Christian Temple in Baltimore, Maryland.
Bill served on numerous local, state, regional and national committees, projects, and advisories for the denomination throughout his years in the ministry. He received Honorary Doctorate degrees from six universities including Texas Christian University and numerous awards and recognitions from churches, organizations, corporations, and boards during his years of service. He served as Chair of the Board, Emeritus, for Phillips Theological Seminary for many years and President of the Board of the National City Christian Church Corporation, as well as numerous other board positions in the wider church. His vision and dynamic personality influenced and helped shape the denomination throughout his career.
Bill was instrumental in raising funds for projects and programs in many pastorates, most notably the restoration of the sanctuary and the building of the Beasley Building at National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C., "the national cathedral" for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He was influential in the acquisition and building of the beautiful five rank Moeller organ in the National City sanctuary, one of the finest organs on the East Coast which includes "The Howland Tuba Stop." Bill served a distinguished ministry of 18 years as the Senior Minister at National City Christian Church. He was recognized as a gifted orator and preacher, offering astute commentary on events of the day while bringing fresh insights to the teaching of scripture.
Bill loved his family with all of his heart. He was quick to show his love and was extremely proud of all of their accomplishments, big or small. He emphasized kindness to all people. The family enjoyed cross country vacations in the station wagon, parades, fireworks, homemade ice cream and many hours "helping" at the church. Bill loved the beauty of nature, watching birds at the birdfeeder, flowers, singing, cookies, his dogs and most especially, his family.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents William Charles Howland and Trinnie Ann Morris, his sisters, Betty Howland Ogden, Mary Howland Kennedy and Margaret Howland Pinix.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Ann, his children, William Charles Howland III, Mary Howland Macferran, Martha Howland Baker, and Margaret Howland Williamson and spouses Cynthia Couch Howland, Samuel Macferran, Paul Glisson, Gary Williamson and sister Martha Jeanne Lawrence. Bill has nine grandchildren and four great- grandchildren, William Charles Howland IV, Christen Brooke Howland, Mary Margaret Hurt, Alexander Bradford Hurt, Tiffany Baker Shortridge, Rebekah Ann Baker, Robert Everett Baker, Brian Oliver Williamson, Mary Howland Williamson, Anthony George Lutz III, Ava McKaley Lutz, Steven Aurick Shortridge and Mountain Sparrow Grey.
The family is grateful to his aides Debra Stevens, Rita Houston, and Maria Herrera, and thankful for their loving care.
Memorial Services for the Reverend Dr. William Charles Howland, Jr. will be held at University Christian Church, 2007 University Avenue, Austin, Texas on April 7, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. A Service of Inurnment will be held at National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle, Northwest, Washington, D.C., on May 20, 2012, at 2:30 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to the William and Ann Howland Minority Scholarship, Phillips Theological Seminary, 901 North Mingo Road, Tulsa, OK 74116 or National City Christian Church Foundation, 5 Thomas Circle, N.W., Washington, DC 20005.
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