United Christian Church
Eastern shore of virginia

pastor Rev. William A. Cathell, Jr.

"brother billy"

growing up in the church

Brother Billy with parents and brother at Felton Church of God

Young Brother Billy playing guitar with father
​at Felton Church of God 

Brother Billy's father with Ottilie Rust
​who co-wrote "By The Side Of The Road"

Brother Billy was born a couple years after his father stepped away from his ministry at the Pine Cove Mission Church in the early 1970's.  But, Brother Billy was right by his father's side when he returned to the ministry as Pastor of the Felton Church of God in the early 1980's.  His father taught him to sing and play the guitar at eight years old.  One of the first songs Brother Billy remembers learning is "To Be Like Jesus".  The earliest recording of Brother Billy singing is from that year, when he sang "By The Side Of The Road", a song co-written by his father and the Felton Church of God Pianist, Ottilie Rust.

Brother Billy was one of the founding members of the United Christian Church, founded by his father in 1988.  Once again, he was by his father's side, this time playing the guitar and the piano.  His father liked him to play the piano, because it rounded out the trio, with Dad on guitar and Mom on organ.  Brother Billy also taught children's Sunday School classes.  He was an integral part of the church until he left for college.  During the time he was away, the storefront location was destroyed by a tornado and the congregation moved to their temporary location on Cooke Street.
                                      See Our History

Teenaged Brother Billy playing lap steel guitar​at the United Christian Church's first location

2004 - Brother Billy (at left) serving as
​Event Coordinator for the Jesus Festival

By the time Brother Billy returned as a young man, the new facility had been completed and the congregation had moved to its current location on Parksley Road.  He rejoined his father, by his side.  This time, by request of his father, he primarily played the drums, but also continued to sing specials with his guitar.  Brother Billy dreamed up the Jesus Festival and acted as the Event Coordinator.  
​

Overwhelming career and family demands led Brother Billy to step away from the church for a time.  But stepping away didn't help his situation.  Eventually, he recognized that the solution to his problems was a closer walk with God.  Like his father, Brother Billy has never been able to resist God's call for long.

Brother Billy and Crystal being married
​by his father, Rev. Cathell, Sr. 8/23/15

Brother Billy on electric drums
​with his mother, Carolyn, on keyboard

​With Brother Billy's return to church, his whole life turned around and the Lord continued to find more & more uses for him.  He resumed his music ministry.  Then, he began teaching Bible study.  Next, he was elected to the Board of Trustee, of which he is now Chairman. 

Brother Billy preaching

Brother Billy with wife, Crystal and Pepe

Brother Billy devoted himself to the study of God's word.  God eventually gave him the confidence he needed to begin his preaching ministry.  He became Associate Pastor of the church in 2015 and was elevated to the position of Pastor in 2019, after his father's passing.  Brother Billy now Co-Pastors the United Christian Church with his fellow Pastor, Brother Tim.

Brother Billy is an Ordained Minister
licensed 11/23/1992 
​by the united christian church & Ministral association
and registered with accomack county, virginia