INSTITUTIONAL INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES
75 Years of Faith. Three Generations of Leadership. One Enduring Legacy.
1951–2026 | Fort Greene, Brooklyn, New York
From Glory to Glory: Honoring Our Past. Building Our Future.
A Legacy Born in Faith
Some institutions are built to serve a moment. Others are destined to shape generations.
For 75 years, Institutional International Ministries (IIM) has been more than a church. It has been a beacon of hope, a sanctuary of faith, a cultural landmark, and a cornerstone of Brooklyn's Fort Greene community. Through changing times, shifting generations, and an evolving city, one thing has remained constant: an unwavering commitment to building people, transforming communities, and carrying the Gospel beyond the walls of the sanctuary.
Founded on February 1, 1951, by Chief Apostle Carl E. Williams Sr., then known as the Institutional Church of God in Christ, the ministry was established upon a simple yet profound vision: “Tell One, Bring One, and Win One for Jesus.” What began as a humble congregation in Brooklyn would grow into an institution whose influence would reach far beyond its sanctuary.
75 Years of Faith. Three Generations of Leadership. One Enduring Legacy.
1951–2026 | Fort Greene, Brooklyn, New York
From Glory to Glory: Honoring Our Past. Building Our Future.
A Legacy Born in Faith
Some institutions are built to serve a moment. Others are destined to shape generations.
For 75 years, Institutional International Ministries (IIM) has been more than a church. It has been a beacon of hope, a sanctuary of faith, a cultural landmark, and a cornerstone of Brooklyn's Fort Greene community. Through changing times, shifting generations, and an evolving city, one thing has remained constant: an unwavering commitment to building people, transforming communities, and carrying the Gospel beyond the walls of the sanctuary.
Founded on February 1, 1951, by Chief Apostle Carl E. Williams Sr., then known as the Institutional Church of God in Christ, the ministry was established upon a simple yet profound vision: “Tell One, Bring One, and Win One for Jesus.” What began as a humble congregation in Brooklyn would grow into an institution whose influence would reach far beyond its sanctuary.
Through the world-renowned Institutional Radio Choir, the church helped shape the sound and spirit of American gospel music. A pioneering force in the genre, the choir made history by hosting the inaugural Gospel Choir Concerts at both Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden, and organizing the first Gospel Cruise in August 1971. Its celebrated recordings, radio broadcasts, and contributions to productions such as The Gospel at Colonus carried the voice of Institutional from the streets of Brooklyn to audiences around the world. Yet its greatest legacy would be measured not only by the music it produced, but by the lives it touched.
For decades, Institutional has stood at the intersection of faith and community, feeding the hungry, supporting families, nurturing children, empowering generations, and extending compassion to those too often overlooked.
For decades, Institutional has stood at the intersection of faith and community, feeding the hungry, supporting families, nurturing children, empowering generations, and extending compassion to those too often overlooked.
In 2001, Bishop Carl E. Williams Jr. inherited the sacred mantle of leadership, faithfully shepherding the ministry for 18 years. With a heart for people and a passion for developing the next generation, he strengthened Institutional's foundation of discipleship, service, and spiritual growth. Through initiatives such as the Love Kitchen, the church continued its longstanding commitment to serving the most vulnerable throughout Brooklyn. Beyond the pulpit, Bishop Williams Jr. dedicated more than 15 years to serving as Clergy Liaison for the NYPD's 88th Precinct, building bridges between faith, law enforcement, and the community he faithfully served.
In 2019, Pastor Alex L. Williams became the third-generation Senior Pastor, ushering Institutional into a new season of vision, innovation, and community transformation. Building upon the foundation laid by his grandfather and father, he has sought to reimagine how a historic church can serve a changing world without compromising the faith and values that shaped its beginning.
Under his leadership, Institutional has expanded its reach through Institutional Cares Inc., neighborhood outreach, youth mentorship, public-health initiatives, interfaith partnerships, and civic engagement—carrying ministry beyond the sanctuary and into the heart of the community.
What one generation established through faith, another sustained through service, and a third now advances through vision. Though the seasons have changed, the assignment has remained the same: to ensure that Institutional is not simply a monument to what God has done, but a movement toward what God will do next.
In 2026, the church's enduring contributions to Brooklyn were further commemorated through the historic street co-naming, “Bishop Carl E. Williams Way,” a lasting tribute to a legacy woven into the spiritual and cultural fabric of Fort Greene.
Under his leadership, Institutional has expanded its reach through Institutional Cares Inc., neighborhood outreach, youth mentorship, public-health initiatives, interfaith partnerships, and civic engagement—carrying ministry beyond the sanctuary and into the heart of the community.
What one generation established through faith, another sustained through service, and a third now advances through vision. Though the seasons have changed, the assignment has remained the same: to ensure that Institutional is not simply a monument to what God has done, but a movement toward what God will do next.
In 2026, the church's enduring contributions to Brooklyn were further commemorated through the historic street co-naming, “Bishop Carl E. Williams Way,” a lasting tribute to a legacy woven into the spiritual and cultural fabric of Fort Greene.
Now, as Institutional celebrates its 75th anniversary, the ministry stands at another defining moment.
Through Building Fort Greene, a visionary $5 million capital campaign led by Pastor Williams through the newly established Institutional Builders Corporation, the church is preparing to restore its historic home at 170 Adelphi Street and reimagine its future as a center for education, empowerment, cultural preservation, and community transformation. It is a bold vision rooted in a timeless conviction: the greatest way to honor a legacy is to build upon it.
Through Building Fort Greene, a visionary $5 million capital campaign led by Pastor Williams through the newly established Institutional Builders Corporation, the church is preparing to restore its historic home at 170 Adelphi Street and reimagine its future as a center for education, empowerment, cultural preservation, and community transformation. It is a bold vision rooted in a timeless conviction: the greatest way to honor a legacy is to build upon it.
On November 13, 2026, the Institutional Legacy Gala will celebrate this extraordinary journey—honoring the pioneers who laid the foundation, the generations who sustained the vision, and the future that now stands before us.
Seventy-five years ago, a vision was planted in Brooklyn. Through three generations, that vision has taken root, weathered seasons, transformed lives, and grown into a legacy far greater than its founders could have imagined.
Seventy-five years ago, a vision was planted in Brooklyn. Through three generations, that vision has taken root, weathered seasons, transformed lives, and grown into a legacy far greater than its founders could have imagined.
Today, we stand upon the shoulders of those who came before us—not simply to celebrate what they built, but to take responsibility for what we will leave behind.
Because legacy is not merely what we inherit. Legacy is what we have the courage to build for those who come after us.
Our story began in 1951. Our mission continues today. And by faith, our greatest chapters are still ahead.
Institutional International Ministries
Three Generations. One Enduring Legacy.
Rooted in Faith. Built on Legacy. Moving Toward Glory.
170 Adelphi Street | Brooklyn, New York
Because legacy is not merely what we inherit. Legacy is what we have the courage to build for those who come after us.
Our story began in 1951. Our mission continues today. And by faith, our greatest chapters are still ahead.
Institutional International Ministries
Three Generations. One Enduring Legacy.
Rooted in Faith. Built on Legacy. Moving Toward Glory.
170 Adelphi Street | Brooklyn, New York