CHURCH HISTORY

     Williams AME Church as it is known today was brought about in the early 1900s when the local African American community that had been attending the local predominately white church, felt it was time to have a place of worship of their own. While attending the predominately white church under white leadership, the African American community had concerns that their voices would not be heard or that they would not be treated fairly nor equitably under this leadership.

     Community members like John Parker felt that he should do something to help his community because there was indeed a desperate need for an African American church. After talking with his wife Mary, he decided that he would build a church. Mr. Parker got a meeting together with others of the community who had the thoughts, and desires of himself. He met with Arthur Tindley Sr., John Purnell, Eddie Purnell, Charlie Whaley, Ambrose Porter, and Isaac Briddell to discuss these ideas. This group set in motion the plan to build what is known today as Williams AME Church. Eddie Purnell sold the land where the church would be built at a cheap price to the group. John Parker donated all the lumber, while Isaac Briddell hauled the lumber to the site. Other contributors included Henry Lockwood and Queen Tindley.

     The first brick of the original sanctuary was laid in November 1916. The sanctuary where Williams AME Church presently worships was built in 2001. Many of the founder’s direct descendants continue to worship at Williams, under the leadership of Pastor Gary M. Stewart Sr.