Rev. Robert W. Dixon, Sr.

Reverend Dr. Robert Walter Dixon, Sr.

Robert Walter Dixon, Sr., one of five children, was born September 11, 1921 to Benjamin and Louise Hammond Dixon.  At an early age, Robert accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and attended the Metropolitan Baptist Church at 129th Street and 7th Avenue in New York City, where he was active in the Youth Ministries of the church.  Later he became Superintendent of the Sunday school and began his spiritual journey of impact on the lives of God’s people.  Robert was educated in the Public School System of New York City and enjoyed athletics and often played stickball in the city streets. 

In later years, Robert was called into the Gospel Ministry, and was a devoted servant of God, lived a life of unwavering faith, provided exemplary leadership and deep commitment to his community. Over his remarkable career of more than 55 years in ministry, Pastor Dixon shepherded his congregations with grace and purpose, leaving an indelible impact on countless lives.

Pastor Dixon began his pastoral journey at the Central Baptist Church of Salt Point, New York, where he faithfully served for 19 years.  During his time in Salt Point, Pastor Dixon ran as an independent candidate for Mayor of Poughkeepsie, served as Vice President of the Poughkeepsie Middle School Board, and held the position of Vice Chair of the Dutchess County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Committee. 

In September 1977, Pastor Dixon was called to lead the Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Albany, New York.  For 36 years, until his retirement in September 2013, Pastor Dixon served Mount Calvary and was the longest-tenured Pastor in the church’s history.  Under his guidance, Mount Calvary flourished as a beacon of hope, faith, and love in the Albany community.  An experienced expositor and apologist of the Gospel, Pastor Dixon was known for delivering sermons of rare succinctness and depth, leaving an enduring imprint on the hearts and minds of those who heard him.  Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Dixon was a passionate community activist who worked tirelessly to uplift and advocate for those in need.

In the Albany community, Pastor Dixon’s service was profound.  He was instrumental in the creation of the Community Police Relations Board, serving as its Chairman from 1984 to 1998, chaired the Albany Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission, leading efforts to erect a memorial to Dr. King in Lincoln Park.  Pastor Dixon also chaired the African American Clergy United for Empowerment Organization and served on numerous boards, including the Salvation Army of Albany. 

His community included being a lifetime member of the NAACP, where his leadership was widely recognized.  His service extended to advising former New York State Attorney General and Governor Eliot Spitzer on communities and the law.  Pastor Dixon’s career spanned both spiritual and secular arenas.  He was employed at IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York for 28 years, retiring as Manager of Production Control.  Pastor Dixon served his country with honor in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed at West Point.  As a proud Buffalo Soldier, part of the historic all-Black 9th and 10th Cavalry units, he trained cadets in horsemanship and cavalry tactics, embodying excellence and discipline. His service as a Buffalo Soldier remains a celebrated chapter in American military history and a testament to the contributions of African American soldiers. He is the last Buffalo to go on to glory.

Pastor Dixon’s leadership was just as significant in the Church community.  For more than 50 years, he was an active member of the Central Hudson Baptist Association, where he served as treasurer, and was later elected as Moderator.  In recognition of his steadfast service, the Robert W. Dixon Retreat Fund was established in his honor.  From 1998 to 2005, Pastor Dixon served as President of the Empire Baptist Convention of New York, Inc., leading over 500 churches State-wide. During his presidency, the Empire grew in civic engagement, providing a platform for future State leaders and demonstrating the power of Church and State working together for the common good.

Pastor Dixon’s personal life was a testament to his love and dedication. On January 27, 1974, he married the love of his life, Georgia Bryant Dixon, who affectionately called him, “Chief, Bud, Baby-cake, and her Green-eyed silver fox.”  Their union was blessed with seven children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, all of whom continue to carry forward his legacy of faith and service.  To know Reverend Robert Walter Dixon, Sr. was to witness a man of God who lived with integrity, compassion, and humility. He was a preacher, teacher, leader, and servant whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

“One thing I know beyond a shadow of doubt, I’ve been called and I’ve been saved.”  On the afternoon of Friday, November 15, 2024, Pastor Dixon transitioned from labor to reward, life to eternal life in victory.  As in life, so it was at death, holding his hand, rubbing his chest was his beloved Georgia.  In addition to his parents, Pastor Dixon was predeceased in death by his son; Gerald Dixon and siblings Adeline, Margaret, Benjamin and Bill.

He fought a good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith, and he knew there’s a crown of righteousness waiting for him which the Lord will give on that day.

Celebrating a great legacy of love and cherishing beautiful memories are, his wife; Lady Georgia B.. Dixon, his children; Robert (Barbara) Dixon, Jr. of Spring Hills, Florida, Terry (Angela) Dixon of Albany, NY, Carolyn (Jesse) Suber of Alexandria, Virginia, David L. (Vibeka) Dixon of Bowie, Maryland, John (Kari) Dixon and Jacqueline Dixon of Laurel, Maryland; 9 grandchildren; Sean Dixon, Stephanie Dixon, Antonio J. Dixon, Alysha N. (Craig) Dixon Perry, Whitney C. (Jaspin) Dixon-Barreau, David T. Dixon, Isiah Dixon, Kayla Dixon, two great grandchildren, and Derek Dixon; 3 Sisters in Love; Shirley Porter of Albany, NY, Joyce Glover of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mildred Oliver of Sandy Springs, GA,  a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, 5 children in the ministry; Rev. Lennox Fraser, Sr. , Rev. Gloria Jimpson, Rev. Betty Jean Jenkins, Rev. Patricia Fraser and Rev. Candace Dale, the Mount Calvary Baptist Church family, the Central Hudson Baptist Association family and the Empire Baptist Missionary Baptist Convention family. 

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?  As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.’”  Romans 10:14-15

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