Gwinnett County GaArchives Biographies.....Williams, J. M. January 1 1849 - February 15 1909
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Ann Anderson alabammygrammy@aol.com July 27, 2004, 5:44 pm

Author: J. C. Flanigan
Rev. J. M. Williams.

	Our county is great because of its people. It cannot be greater than 
the men and women who live within its boundaries and support its intsitutions.

	In preserving the name`, merit and memory of our people, the county 
and the state will be benefitted .and their history preserved.

	Among the really great men who have lived in Gwinnett County, none 
excel the late Rev. Jas. M. Williams. He began life in obscurity. He rose 
slowly, but steadily and surely, and became the most powerful preacher in the 
county.

	This position he won by the faithful preaching of the Gospel for more 
than thirty years. He labored among all classes; the common people heard him 
gladly, and loved him as but few men are loved in this life. And the educated 
and the distinguished looked upon him with pride and could but respect his 
wisdom. His words were like "apples of gold" and "pictures set in silver;" his 
example was worthy of emulation; his character was beautiful; his work, the 
noblest and best.

	The people respected and loved him, so much that his services as a 
pastor were in great demand, and he could not fill the pulpits to which he was 
called.

	He was born in Gwinnett county, January 1, 1849. He was ordained to 
the ministry at Union Grove, August 6, 1879, and was continuously engaged in 
the work up to his death. He was pastor of the Union Grove church twenty-
three. years, and his remains lie in the cemetery there. He served four 
churches all the time during his ministerial career, and many others sought 
his services. He really gave his life for his people.

	During his ministry, he baptized 1,309 people into the church. Perhaps 
he preached more funerals than any- man of his time. He bathed more souls with 
his tears and comforted more hearts with his words than any of his fellow 
ministers.

	He died February 15, 1909. More people perhaps attended his burial 
than that of any other individual in the history of the county. A handsome 
monument was erected at his grave from funds given by his friends and admirers.

	"A great light has gone out. A prince in Isreal has fallen." We shall 
seldom look upon his like again.


Additional Comments:
From:

GWINNETT CHURCHES
A COMPLETE HISTORY OF EVERY CHURCH
IN GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA,
WITH SHORT BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF ITS
MINISTERS
BY
J. C. FLANIGAN
1911

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