LEADERSHIP TEAM
Our Moderator
Charles Maurice Williams, the fifth child of Rebecca Williams and Ernest Harris, has been married to Maureen for 38 years. They have two children, Charles Maurice, Jr. and Charla Maureen, and one granddaughter, Chari Maureen.
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A native of East St. Louis, Pastor Williams completed his early education in East St. Louis School District 189. He holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Leadership and Ministry and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) in Biblical Counseling, both from Missouri Baptist University.
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Pastor Williams acknowledged his calling to preach the Gospel in 1987 at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Herman L. Watson, Sr. He was later invited by Rev. Dr. M.R. Lemons to serve as Youth Pastor at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in 1993. Upon Rev. Lemons's retirement and recommendation, Pastor Williams became the church’s pastor, celebrating 19 years of pastoral leadership in July 2024.
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Pastor Williams has been connected to the New Salem Baptist District Association (NSBDA) since its infancy, offering over 30 years of service, including 20 years in leadership roles such as Moderator, Vice Moderator at Large, President, Advisor to the Congress President, Assistant Dean, and Coordinator for the Dr. M.R. Lemons Associate Ministers Division.
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Moderator Williams is committed to “providing biblical nurturing toward the achievement of the Church’s Great Commission as set forth in Matthew 28:19-20.” He believes the Church’s ultimate purpose is “the salvation of sinners and the edification of the saved.”
Congress President
Pastor Sylvia Prothro is a native of Alorton, Illinois, and a graduate of East St. Louis Lincoln Senior High School. She earned an Associate in Arts degree in Social Work from Southwestern Illinois College and holds both a Doctorate of Pastoral Theology and a Doctorate in Ministry from Anchor Theological Seminary & Bible Institute.
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She was licensed and ordained by Rev. Rodney Winters, former pastor of St. Matthew Baptist Church, where she served faithfully in several roles including Superintendent of Sunday School and Director of Christian Education.
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In 2017, Pastor Prothro founded Hope In Christ Missionary Baptist Church. In 2025, she was elected as Pastor of Lilly Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where she also serves as Dean of their Christian Leadership School under the Sunday School Publishing Board.
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Pastor Prothro has been active in the New Salem Baptist District Association since her youth, when she sang in the BYF Choir. She has served as Secretary of the Dr. M.R. Lemons Associate Ministers Division, BYF Instructor, past Vice President of the Congress of Christian Education, and currently serves as a certified instructor and Dean with SSPB.
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She was recently elected President of the Congress of Christian Education, becoming the first female pastor and only the second woman in forty-two years to hold this position.
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Pastor Prothro is married to Deacon Timothy C. Prothro, Sr. Together they share seven children, seventeen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
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Her philosophy is: Christian education is more than information—it is transformational, so we can become more like Christ to serve others.
Congress Dean
Pastor Timothy Shaw is a native of East St. Louis and a graduate of East St. Louis Senior High School. He accepted his call to the gospel ministry while a member of Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Jerome Jackson.
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Pastor Shaw has devoted his life to preaching the gospel and serving God’s people. His educational background includes an Associate Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling, a Bachelor’s in Theological Studies, a Master’s in Theology, a Master’s in Divinity, and a Doctorate in Ministry.
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He is a certified instructor and currently serves as the Dean of Christian Education and the Dean of the Congress of Christian Education for the New Salem Baptist District Association. Pastor Shaw is also the proud Pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church, where he brings years of experience and a heart for ministry.
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He is the proud father of three amazing children: Jace, Trinity, and Tristin.
​Our Team.
In addition to our core leaders, NSBDA is supported by various auxiliary presidents, directors, and staff members who contribute to the growth and success of our mission. Each member of our team plays a vital role in ensuring that our association is equipped to meet the needs of our churches and communities.
