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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pastor Prothro is married to Deacon Timothy C. Prothro, Sr. Together they share seven children, seventeen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Barnicio Cureton
Vice Moderator At Large
Dr. Barnicio A. Cureton is the Pastor of New Macedonia MB Church in Cahokia Heights, IL. Known for his compassion and devotion to others, he began preaching at the young age of 9. Licensed and ordained by Mount Paran MB Church in 2008, Dr. Cureton is committed to winning souls for Christ and guiding others through spiritual transformation.
Pastor Cureton holds a Doctorate in Theology and is the founder of the Lighthouse Transitional Facility and Housing Shelter, which provides housing and support for up to 150 homeless individuals and helps former inmates transition back into society.
Don Sanford
1st Vice Moderator
Coming Soon!
Travis Norris
2nd Vice Moderator
Travis Norris is the Pastor of the great New Bethel MB Church. He is a shepherd first with an evangelistic heart. He covers Pastors, ministers, sons, and daughters throughout the country to be their best version. Pastor Norris is currently completing his doctoral studies in Pastoral Leadership.
Pastor Norris holds a Bachelor of Finance and a Master's in Ministry and will graduate in 2024 with his Doctorate in Ministry!
“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”
1 Corinthians 9:16 KJV
Frederick Evans
3rd Vice Moderator
Frederick Evans is the Pastor of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church #1 in Cahokia Heights, IL. He was licensed and ordained at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, East St. Louis, IL, under the late Rev. Dr. M. R. Lemons. Pastor Evans has over 25 years of nonprofit experience and currently serves as the Residential Program Director for DOORWAYS.
He holds a Bachelor's in Human Services and Religion and a Master's in Human Services Management.
His motto is, “Just be Faithful and Meet the People where they are.”
Dichali Coleman
4th Vice Moderator
Dichali Coleman serves as the Pastor of Galilee Central Missionary Baptist Church. Since the age of 12, he has been dedicated to serving God. Pastor Coleman is the 4th Vice Moderator of the New Salem Baptist Association, Inc. and holds roles as the Evangelism and Outreach Director and Advisor to the District Women’s Auxiliary for the New Salem Baptist District. He also serves as a Sunday School Teacher, Director of Sunday School, and Associate Minister at Galilee Central.
Pastor Coleman is passionate about Christian education for all ages, youth activities, and community improvement initiatives.
Patricia Story
General Secretary
Patricia Story has been a dedicated Southern Mission M.B. Church member for over 30 years and serves as President of the Mission Ministry. She previously sang in the BYF Choir under the leadership of Ms. Birdie Mae Jackson. In the New Salem Baptist District Women’s Auxiliary, Patricia has served as Correspondence Secretary, and Assistant General Secretary, and currently holds the position of General Secretary.
Her guiding scripture is, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."— Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
Dr. Fannie Woods
Chairperson of Finance Committee
Dr. Fannie Woods is a member of the Galilee Central Missionary Baptist Church, East St. Louis, Illinois. Her current ministry includes serving GOD in various ways in her church and community including, the New Salem Baptist District Association Annual Session; and the Chairperson, Board of Directors, New Salem Place Seniors Housing of East St. Louis, Illinois.
Dr. Woods is a retired U. S. Air Force Officer; a U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fellows; and University Professor.
Her Christian service focus areas are teaching, administration, and quality, affordable housing initiatives for seniors.
Inez Brock
Director of BYF, YPD & YAM
Coming Soon!
Min. Deltha Rogers
President of Womans Auxiliary
Deltha Rogers is a saved and ordained minister and a member of Shining Light MB Church, where her son, Rev. Dr. Jerome Rogers Sr., is Pastor. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Theology from Anchor Theological Seminary. Deltha is the Women’s Auxiliary President and has worked in the New Salem Baptist District Association for approximately 25 years. She is a widow, and the mother of six children, including three sons who are pastors.
Her guiding scripture is, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
— Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
William Lee
President of Laymens Auxiliary
Deacon William Lee
Charlene Wade
President, Ushers/Health Unit Auxiliary
Coming Soon!
June Pierson
Supervisor of the Health Unit
June Pierson is the Supervisor of Nurses for the New Salem District and serves as a nurse at Shiloh MB Church under Pastor Terry Harris