First Ever Cecil Williamson Evangelism Award Presented at Annual Conference 2026
At Annual Conference 2025, the Mississippi-West Tennessee Conference established the Cecil Williamson Award for Evangelism in honor of the Rev. Cecil Williamson and his lifelong commitment to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through his ministry, countless people came to faith, and his passion for evangelism continues to inspire the church today.
During Annual Conference 2026, the conference presented the first Cecil Williamson Awards for Evangelism. How fitting that the first clergy recipient was Cecil’s daughter, Lee Ann Williamson. Upon receiving the award, she shared, “My father would be so proud of the Global Methodist Church, and I am grateful that he got to see the GMC formed before he went to be with our Lord.”
The first lay recipient was Mark Hikes of Madison Methodist Church. Mark encouraged those gathered to continue sharing the gospel with every person they meet and to remain faithful to Christ’s call to make disciples.
Both recipients were recognized for their commitment to evangelism and their example of faithfully sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. May their witness encourage all of us to continue making disciples and spreading scriptural holiness throughout our communities and around the world.
