A champion for the poor, the homeless, a fighter for racial equality. Tonight we remember the Reverend Cecil Williams, whose love and compassion was the rock and foundation and guiding light for all who walked through the doors of Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco . >> He walked his talk. He he was a direct example of how to be in the world. It's such a loss for the city. It's a loss for this community. >> The Reverend Cecil Williams died today at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was 94 years old. Good evening. I'm Julie Julie Haener and I'm Mike Mibach. >> Williams was known for his wisdom, compassion and providing critical support to impoverished residents every day for 60 years. KTVU is amberleigh live tonight at San Francisco City Hall. Amber. A very big loss tonight for the community. >> Absolutely, Mike. There is grief and gratitude for all the work Cecil Williams did for the people and city of San Francisco. Now, the folks at glide tell me he may have retired years ago, but he was still very much a presence at glide and that his work lives on the street of my life. The voices of the Glide Ensemble rang out in the church sanctuary in San Francisco's Tenderloin, just hours after its visionary founder and pastor, Cecil Williams, died Monday afternoon. A man known for giving a voice and extending a helping hand to those who need it the most, this man of joy, this man of second, third and fourth chances. A brief ceremony honoring Williams, led by glide Senior Pastor Marvin White, who was chosen by Williams himself to help carry out his legacy of serving the community. White described Williams as a mentor. >> If you're not a church of action, then you're not doing the work. We are doing social gospel. That means that we are taking the good news out into the streets and inviting everyone in. >> He did it with the idea that glide would become the center of the city for marginalized people. >> Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown described himself and his longtime friend Williams as the preacher and the politician. He says he was also Williams attorney. When Williams was arrested for civil rights demonstrations. >> Cecil has established for all of us what community. Service really means, what it means to be an activist, what it means to help other people. >> I was suicidal. >> Tatiana Tilley, a Glide Choir member, says Williams opened up his heart and church to her and other members of the LGBTQ community when most organized religion rejected them, I found home. >> We sing a song called the Sit at the Welcome Table. There's a space, there's a place for you. And he meant it. >> Cecil for 50 years has been one of the cornerstones of the city. He really didn't have any critics. >> We will be clapping our hands for the next few weeks. Months and years in celebration of his life. >> Pastor white extended the hours of the sanctuary through Friday to give community members a space to mourn and celebrate William's life. Glide is still working out details for a public memorial service. For more information and updates, go to ktvu.com and click on the Web Links section. Mike, Julie. Amber, I know you. >> You've worked with the Reverend Williams on a number of stories over the last 20, 30 years. I'm just curious, you know, what do you take away most from Cecil Williams? >> I will always remember the big smile he always had on his face, his kindness and his willingness to always speak with us.
