24 Apr 2025, 09:32By: Darell J. Philip, PR & Communications Assistant – Hackney SDA ChurchHackney, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Hackney SDA Church Founder Member Celebrates 95th Birthday
Hackney SDA Church Founder Member, Sister Ann Williams, celebrated her 95th birthday on Sabbath 19th April 2025. Family, friends and church members joined together in celebrating this joyous occasion with a woman often affectionately referred to as the ‘Mother of Hackney Church.’ Not only is Sister Williams a founder member of the church but she was responsible for finding the building where members have been worshipping for the past 45 years since branching out from Mother Church, Stoke Newington Community SDA. Sister Williams is also the oldest living member of Hackney church.
While the gathering was a super joyous occasion, it could have been all so differently five years ago. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sister Ann Williams, at that time aged 90, was critically ill and given a negative prognosis by medical professionals which galvanized a global network of prayers for God’s intervention and healing power in her life. After having had an anointing service with prayers at her home led by Hackney’s Pastoral team, Sister Ann Williams was, by the grace of God, miraculously nursed back to health by her daughter which left the medical professionals baffled but gave the family and church the opportunity to witness and testify of the power of God in the healing of His faithful servant.
Sister Ann Williams, blessed with five children, ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, has family residing not only in the UK but also in USA, the Caribbean and Europe, many of whom flew over to share in this momentous occasion with her.
As well as having served in a number of roles such as Elder, Bible Worker, Prayer Ministries, Community Ministries, Sabbath School, Hospitality, Florist and Pianist, Sister Williams was also a school road crosser for many years, serving as a pillar member of both the community and the church, as attested to by the many glowing tributes given to her during the service.
To this day, Sister Williams alongside 88-year-old Sister Ruby Merchant, herself a Founder Member of the church, prepare and cook the tasty Sabbath meals enjoyed by both members and visitors alike.
Hackney’s Pastoral team laid hands on and prayed a blessing into the life of Sister Williams surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who had visited from both near and far.
Giving thanks to her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Sister Williams, a Windrush pioneer originally hailing from the Caribbean Island of Montserrat, said:
“It’s a joy to have my family from all over the globe join my church family in celebrating this special day with me. I give thanks to God for His provision and care of me for all these years and to all of you who have loved me and prayed for me. We are a family by blood and through Christ. It’s a pleasure to be a part of the family of God and I love you all.”
Hackney SDA Church Founder Member, Sister Ann Williams, celebrated her 95th birthday on Sabbath 19th April 2025. Family, friends and church members joined together in celebrating this joyous occasion with a woman often affectionately referred to as the ‘Mother of Hackney Church.’ Not only is Sister Williams a founder member of the church but she was responsible for finding the building where members have been worshipping for the past 45 years since branching out from Mother Church, Stoke Newington Community SDA. Sister Williams is also the oldest living member of Hackney church.
While the gathering was a super joyous occasion, it could have been all so differently five years ago. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sister Ann Williams, at that time aged 90, was critically ill and given a negative prognosis by medical professionals which galvanized a global network of prayers for God’s intervention and healing power in her life. After having had an anointing service with prayers at her home led by Hackney’s Pastoral team, Sister Ann Williams was, by the grace of God, miraculously nursed back to health by her daughter which left the medical professionals baffled but gave the family and church the opportunity to witness and testify of the power of God in the healing of His faithful servant.
Sister Ann Williams, blessed with five children, ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, has family residing not only in the UK but also in USA, the Caribbean and Europe, many of whom flew over to share in this momentous occasion with her.
As well as having served in a number of roles such as Elder, Bible Worker, Prayer Ministries, Community Ministries, Sabbath School, Hospitality, Florist and Pianist, Sister Williams was also a school road crosser for many years, serving as a pillar member of both the community and the church, as attested to by the many glowing tributes given to her during the service.
To this day, Sister Williams alongside 88-year-old Sister Ruby Merchant, herself a Founder Member of the church, prepare and cook the tasty Sabbath meals enjoyed by both members and visitors alike.
Hackney’s Pastoral team laid hands on and prayed a blessing into the life of Sister Williams surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who had visited from both near and far.
Giving thanks to her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Sister Williams, a Windrush pioneer originally hailing from the Caribbean Island of Montserrat, said:
“It’s a joy to have my family from all over the globe join my church family in celebrating this special day with me. I give thanks to God for His provision and care of me for all these years and to all of you who have loved me and prayed for me. We are a family by blood and through Christ. It’s a pleasure to be a part of the family of God and I love you all.”
