Mt. Airy United Fellowship

“Did the spirit of gospel music ever grace the walls of Mt. Airy United Fellowship?” a curious visitor might ask. Indeed, the echoes of soulful harmonies may not be immediately apparent, but a fascinating connection lies within the story of Reverend Joe Williams, the pastor of Mt. Airy United Fellowship. Mt. Airy United Fellowship, once a white Methodist church at 701 W. Johnson St., found new life under Reverend Williams’ leadership. His journey, however, began long before his pastoral role, intertwined with the rich history of American gospel music. Williams, a North Philadelphia native, joined the Sons of the Dixie Hummingbirds in 1964. This group, the opening act for the legendary Dixie Hummingbirds, offered Williams a front-row seat to the realities of racial segregation in the Deep South. He recalled using “The Green Book,” a guide for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era, to find safe lodging and navigate the hostile landscape. The Green Book listed Black families who opened their homes, offering refuge from the discrimination prevalent in hotels and restaurants. Often, Williams and his fellow singers were forced to eat, sleep, and even change clothes in their car. Gas stations sometimes refused to serve them, and police harassment was a constant threat. A tense encounter with Alabama highway patrolmen turned surprisingly positive when the officers discovered the singers were ex-Marines, a shared experience that transcended racial barriers. Williams’ musical journey eventually led him to the Dixie Hummingbirds themselves, becoming their first new member in 35 years. He even performed with the group during halftime at a Philadelphia 76ers championship game in 1983. After years on the road, Williams transitioned to ministry, eventually founding Mt. Airy United Fellowship. His life story, a testament to resilience and the power of music, adds a unique layer of historical depth to Mt. Airy United Fellowship. It’s a reminder that even seemingly ordinary places can hold extraordinary stories, waiting to be discovered.