November 2024 marks thirty years since Theodore F. Williams, a devoted servant of the Lord, was called into His eternal presence. On November 5, 1994, at the age of 91, he went home to heaven. Hebrews 11 reminds us that the lives of faithful believers are precious to the Lord and serve as enduring examples to us today. Hebrews 13:7 urges us to remember those who spoke the Word of God to us, reflect on their lives, and imitate their faith.
Cherished Memories that Endure
Though three decades have passed since his homegoing, the memories of those who heard Mr. Williams preach remain vivid. One such memory is of a child, not yet saved, who recalled him ministering from Psalm 42:5: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.” The impact of Mr. Williams’ life endures and the treasure he laid up in heaven will never fade.
Difficult Childhood Years: From Georgia to Detroit
Theodore F. Williams was born to Arthur and Lulu Williams on March 3, 1903, in Bibb County, Georgia. Although a family Bible adorned their coffee table, he never saw it read or heard anyone pray in their little house. At the tender age of five, Theodore watched a long procession pass by the cotton fields, carrying the body of his mother on a mule-drawn wagon. Two more deaths during his childhood deeply affected him, though he knew little about Jesus. After his 17-year-old brother was tragically murdered, his widowed father moved the family north to Michigan.
The Lost One Found
Detroit was a new world for 14-year-old Theodore, who wandered the poverty-stricken streets of the city’s lower East Side, longing to understand the afterlife. Yet no one spoke to him about his soul. Then, on Sunday, May 17, 1921, he entered a church and heard a message from Luke 19:10: “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” The pastor repeatedly emphasized, “Lost, lost, lost.” It was then that 17-year-old Theodore gratefully declared: “Thank God that Jesus came to save me, a lost sinner.”
A Calling to Reach the Lost
As Mr. Williams’ heart grew heavy with the thought of others lost in their sins, his burden to share the good news of Jesus Christ deepened. Ordained at age 24, he served as associate pastor of a 900-member church. After earning a Bachelor of Divinity degree, he was appointed minister of a large congregation. The young preacher became painfully aware that many in his audience, passing as Christians, were lost in their sins.
Finding and Preaching the Truth
During these years, Mr. Williams had a radio ministry in Detroit, where he felt freer to preach the gospel message. When he discovered the truth of the Rapture and the weekly practice of remembering the Lord, he shared that too. However, his preaching soon became unwelcome in denominational settings, prompting him to erect a tent in a parking lot and start an outdoor church. Without financial support, times were very difficult, and food for his young family was often scarce.
A Profound Encounter in Cleveland
In September 1936, a friend invited Mr. Williams to observe the Breaking of Bread at the Central Gospel Hall in Cleveland, OH. As he read the hymns in the Believers’ Hymn Book, he felt his soul “transported.” He observed tears falling silently within the circle of believers and found himself “fully satisfied with the profound simplicity of this divine ordinance.”
Spreading the Gospel Across the South
Mr. Williams’ passion for the gospel never waned. In the late 1930s, he and B.M. Nottage engaged in Trailer Evangelism, travelling through the southern states. They preached in cotton fields, cities, hospitals, prisons and schools, sharing the gospel with thousands of African Americans, most of whom were hearing it for the first time.
Enduring Hardships in Chicago
During the 1940s, the Williams family moved to Chicago, where he was joined by Louis Hoy, whom he referred to as a dear fellow worker from Arlington, WA. They endured many hardships, trials and tears, which Mr. Williams recounted in a booklet about his life.
A Life of Dedication and Love
Throughout the years, Mr. Williams preached the gospel and ministered to believers across Canada and the United States. His wife, Eunice, affectionately called Queenie, was a loving mother of eight children and a very faithful partner through the hills and dark valleys, including times of grief, discrimination and financial hardships.
Lasting Impressions
Many have shared their cherished memories of Mr. Williams. His engaging style and ability to captivate even children’s attention while addressing adults was a common recollection. Decades later, his poignant words and memorable illustrations remain fresh in the minds of those who heard him.
As a younger worker, Jonathan Procopio recalls opening a gospel meeting for Mr. Williams. He said: “I remember sitting down and listening spellbound as he preached the Word of God with power. He was a tremendous speaker and had a unique way with words that drew you in; he spoke from his heart. He loved the Lord, enjoyed serving the Lord and exhorted believers to do the same.”
Final Words of Wisdom
Gaius Goff, a fellow servant of the Lord, recalled Mr. Williams attending a conference in 1952, the year he was saved. Mr. Goff said, “I was immediately impressed with his grace and interest when he shook my hand and urged us young people to listen to the voice of God at the conference. His demeanour, humour and gentlemanly ways left a lasting impression. In 1962, he travelled to Newfoundland and Labrador again. His enthusiasm for the work of the Lord, the Word of God and the people of God was contagious and warmed the hearts of all who heard him.”
Mr. Williams’ last words to Mr. Goff were: “Don’t stop plowing, planting, and watering – and hoe out the weeds before they get too big. God will take care of the harvest.”
We conclude these reflections by borrowing the words of the apostle Paul in Acts 20:24-25. Theodore F. Williams finished his course with joy, testifying of the gospel of the grace of God. For more on Mr. Williams, visit www.heaven4sure.com/theodore_williams.
