After more than four decades of spiritual leadership, Dr. William Hawkins Jr. will retire as pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church of Eustis.

Founded in 1880 as the first place of worship for African Americans in Eustis, Gethsemane Baptist Church has served as a beacon of hope in the community for nearly a century and a half. Dr. Hawkins has been at the helm, leading the church with incredible passion for 46 years and six months, the longest tenure of any pastor in the church’s history.

“On December 10, 1978, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, William Hawkins, Jr., answered the call to serve as Pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church of Eustis,” member Cheryl Myers says. “This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey with the Lord, Pastor Hawkins, the Gethsemane church family and the Eustis community.”

Under his leadership, the church has experienced significant spiritual growth, financial stability and physical expansion. Church leaders credit Pastor Hawkins’ vision and dedication for strengthening not only the congregation but also the broader Lake County community.

Gethsemane Baptist Church will celebrate Pastor Hawkins’ retirement and decades of service with a Pastor Appreciation and Retirement Service on Sunday, June 22. Everyone is invited to attend.