AT2W

Photo courtesy of myspace - Rev. Willie Reid, Sr.

The 60-year-old founder of Fellowship Bible Baptist Church died Friday, from kidney failure and several other long-term health problems.

At his funeral, more song and celebration than sadness and mourning filled the church.

2,000 plus people reveled in the life and times of Willie L. Reid, Sr. He founded the church and grew it from a one room gathering place to a giant dome.

Friend and Director of Missions at the Rehoboth Baptist Association Tim Millwood said, “This was his dream and his goal, and, in spite of all the challenges he had with his organ transplant years ago, the development of diabetes and his amputation, he still saw this through. Were all rejoicing that he was able to live to see this completed.”

Reid envisioned more than the one giant dome. He dreamed of building two more on the church’s 48 acres; one would be a sports center, the other a sanctuary to hold 5,000.

Deacon and President of the Trustees at the church Henry Hopson said, “Scripture tells us that without a vision, people perish. He always kept a vision for us as a congregation, something to shoot for, something to strive for.”