Watson Temple Apostolic Church

Bishop James L. Williams, Jr. is the son of Brother James L. Williams, Sr. and Mother Catherine Watson. He was born in 1965 and raised in Richmond, CA. Although his mother raised him along with two brothers and a sister, his father and maternal grandparents, Deacon Willie Fred and Mother Sadie Lee Watson were very influential in his life.

Bishop Williams came to Holiness in 1973 under the leadership of Bishop G. W. Ayers. While matriculating through the Richmond school system, he also learned the essentials of an effective ministry under the tutelage of Bishop Ayers.  After graduating from high school in 1983, Bishop Williams entered the workforce while attending college. Although, he took courses at Contra Costa Community College, he received an A.S. Degree in Electronic Engineering in 1987 from Healds Business School. Later, he became a gifted entrepreneur, successfully owning three different businesses over a period of 22 years. However, it was on May 9, 1986, while attending a two week revival at Renaissance AOH Church located in Oakland, CA that Bishop Williams received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

As Bishop Williams studied the Word of God and allowed it to dwell in him richly, he accepted his call into the ministry in 1988. As he continued to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, he answered his Pastoral call in 1993, while attending a Youth Convention in Seattle, WA.

While Bishop Williams continued to allow the Holy Ghost to purge and prune him and manifest his spiritual gifts, he was ordained as an Elder and appointed the Assistant Pastor of the Faith Tabernacle AOH Church in Richmond, CA in 1995.

His first sermon was preached at Rebirth AOH Church in San Jose, CA for all of 45 spirit filled seconds. After two years of faithful service and under the guidance of his spiritual father, Bishop Williams stepped out on faith with the vision God gave him to open a new ministry. As a result, Watson Temple Apostolic Church was birth and the first service was held on April 6, 1997.

Bishop Williams’ spirit-filled, soul shifting sermons have remained lead by the Holy Ghost whether he is ministering to a few or plenty. Since he has real life experiences growing up in Richmond, God has anointed Bishop Williams to reach those individuals who ordinarily would not have time for the gospel.

Over the past 20 years as the shepherd of Watson Temple, the Lord has progressively elevated him as Overseer in 2001 and he entered Bishopric on July 12, 2014. Along with his elevation, there is the added accountability of a second ministry. As Bishop Williams desire to reach more souls increased, God implanted the seed for Watson Temple Antioch. By the grace of God, he began ministering to the lost in Antioch, CA on May 11, 2014.

Bishop Williams is dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and making disciples of all nations for the up building of God’s Kingdom. God has shown Bishop Williams favor by allowing him to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ across the United States as well as internationally. His favor scripture is Proverbs 8:17, “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” Bishop Williams served as the secretary on the Bishop board of the Apostolic Original Holy Church of God, Inc. and the Bishop over the AOH Youth Convention. In addition, he served as the Acting Prelate for a short period. He is also furthering his education by attending Contra Costa College in Richmond, CA.

Additionally, Bishop Williams received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from St. Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, FL on November 11, 2017.

Bishop Williams is blessed with five beautiful children. He has three daughters, Kandice, Ja’Mes and Jaelyn as well as two sons, Cameron and James III. Bishop Williams is known for his impeccable sense of style and for being one of the most down-to-earth people you could ever meet.