In Jacksonville, Texas, on Friday, May 14, 1886, to the union of James M. and Mattie J.
Taylor, William F. Taylor, was born. He was one of five children.
Spent his boyhood and early manhood in Texas and Oklahoma, later moved to Chicago,
Illinois, where he joined the St. Paul Baptist Church, and later moved his membership
to the Metropolitan Community Church where he sang in the choir. At the age of
38 he moved to Kansas City, Missouri
Two qualities stood out in William Taylor. Above all else he was diligent and his
ministry at first, was entirely a personal effort, carried him across the country
singing on many programs. He had a wonderful personality and with his smile and
soft tone of voice he could win your love. Rev. Taylor went to the bedside of
the sick from early morning to late night. He had a deep artistic sense. The
flowers he left in sick rooms showed this artistic ability.
On Monday, January 5, 1942, Bishop Taylor went to Los Angeles, California at the
advice of his physician, Dr. J. O. Henley, for a complete rest. He was reported
seriously ill several times within his last few weeks, but members of the
congregation here had been informed he was improving. Realizing he would not
get well, he wanted to return to Kansas City to spend his last days. Plans were
in the making, by Rev. Cobbs and the Rev. Murphy, but the Bishop was to ill to
be moved.
At the home of Mother Pearl Woods, formerly of 2041 N. 6th St., Kansas City, Kansas,
(Pastor of the Triangle Church of Truth) 1324 E. Vernon, in Los Angeles, California,
on Tuesday, March 17, 1942 at 1:15 A.M., (3:15 A.M., Kansas City time) Bishop Taylor,
at the age of 55, made his transitory change.
As soon as word reached here, the Rev. L. L. Boswell, assistant pastor of the
church and choir director toiled the bell atop the Metropolitan Spiritual Church
at 1231 Garfield.
His body was return to Kansas City, funeral was held at the Metropolitan Spiritual Church
of Christ, 1231 Garfield, burial was in the Highland Memorial Gardens, 2640 Blue Ridge Blvd. Kansas City, Missouri
His individuality was expressed through seeing no race, creed, or color. There were many
white in his congregation. Bishop Taylor's last official act was to conduct an ordination
and obligation service on January 4th, ordaining Professor L. L. Boswell as Elder,
leaving him in full charge of the church.
Bishop Taylor Nationalized the phrases: "Jesus is the Light of the World,
" "Are you Happy?" and "Who lives in your Heart besides Jesus?"
He used these phrases over the air on his weekly broadcast and greeting his
friends with them on the telephone or when he met them on the street.
March 17, 1942