Rev. Bill Minson’s path from the Bronx to becoming one of America’s most trusted spiritual responders is a story shaped by faith, compassion, and a lifetime of service. Born and raised near Yankee Stadium, Minson grew up close to the cultural heartbeat of New York. His career began in entertainment—first traveling with Ringling Brothers, then handling advertising and public relations for the Apollo Theater, where he met civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson and later worked alongside him on national media and outreach.
Minson went on to represent major performers such as KC and the Sunshine Band, Al Green, the Ohio Players, and Raquel Welch before leaving the entertainment world for the ministry. His focus shifted to helping young people from New York to Los Angeles, encouraging education and character development. That work placed him in Manhattan on 9/11, where he became a chaplain for the American Red Cross just two days after the attacks.
When the Red Cross wound down its operations, Minson continued the mission with the Salvation Army during the long recovery period, maintaining relationships with families and sick responders for decades. His outreach now extends nationwide as he supports communities struck by mass tragedies, including Oklahoma City, Parkland, Thousand Oaks, Mandalay Bay, and others. He also serves as a chaplain for Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and for the U.S. Secret Service in both Las Vegas and Washington.
An Islip Terrace resident who now splits his time between Long Island and Las Vegas, Minson was in Suffolk celebrate Veterans Day and attend the funeral of a fallen New York City firefighter.
Despite decades spent traveling to disaster sites, schools, firehouses, and police stations, his mission remains unchanged. “My intent is to do everything I can so our children have a better future,” he said.