Rev. William V. Cooling

William Cooling was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on June 17, 1920. Weighing just over three pounds, he had no bone covering the back of his skull. For two weeks an aunt tended and prayed for him. One night as she repeated, “Victory! Victory!” she felt the bone in the back of his head grow, hence his middle name, Victor.

His parents, Thomas and Rose Cooling, were recent Pentecostal converts. Rose was baptized in Jesus' name just two weeks before Billie was born. Their life, as he grew up, revolved around revival services and prayer meetings. Even though Bill did not live for God during the five years he served in World War II, he went to church every time he had the opportunity.

On June 30, 1946, Bill, now almost an alcoholic, walked into the back of Bethel Tabernacle in Winnipeg. As the church sang, “Only Jesus, only Jesus, only He can satisfy,” he stumbled down the aisle, fell between the pews, and surrendered his life to God. Six months later, on New Year's Eve, he married a beautiful young lady, Georgina Fuller.

After Brother Cooling felt the call to the ministry, he worked with his pastors, Brother Vouga and Brother Ralph Reynolds. Then, he stepped out with his family to pastor in Kenora, Ontario, Canada. Except for nine months in British Columbia, the rest of his ministry was in the Ontario district, pastoring in Pembroke, Brantford, St. Catharines, and Brockville. He was a true shepherd and believed and preached truth with an unwavering passion. Camp meeting was the highlight of his life, especially the morning Bible studies when he would lead the congregation in the old songs of the church, singing verse after verse by heart. His favorite was “My Savior’s Love.”

Brother Cooling served the Ontario District as secretary and Home Missions director simultaneously for twelve years. During that time, the number of churches grew from twelve to thirty-two. He became district superintendent in 1973, and served until his death in 1992. For several years he served as president of the Apostolic Missionary Institute. He was the executive presbyter for Canada from 1990 to 1992.

He preached a message, “The Prayer of Jabez,” at the 1979 General Conference in Salt Lake City. For many years, he felt honored to sing Canada’s national anthem, O Canada, during the opening ceremony of General Conference.

His giving nature was his trademark. Every home missionary remembers his coming with his trunk full of groceries, including lots of treats for the children. He loved the Jamaican people, and they loved him.

The last service he attended, he was so weak that he sat in the second row, resting his head on the pew in front of him. Yet, when the altar call was given, he was the first one there, crawling on his hands and knees.

On June 10, 1992, he died of an enlarged heart. No one was surprised.