As the weather-beaten and storm-tossed ship nears the haven of rest after a rough voyage so is this man of God approaching the end of life's voyage. He is not possessed with dread and fear, but is like a fearless one mentioned by the poet "who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams." There is something sublime in such a life and end that I cannot describe. The ship can only get repairs in its harbor, but in that eternal home of the soul there is a pristine youth that endures throughout the ages of eternity. Thank God for such an assurance! Here is the testimony of this soldier of the cross in his own words: "I am now a member of Gregory Presbytery and have been in the rank and file of the army for a long time, but now in the evening of life I am only glad that in early life I gave my life to God and yielded my heart to the service of my Master. Very soon the race will be ended and we shall be rewarded for all the labors of life."

In Fannin County, Tex., December 10, 1852, the subject of this sketch was born. His father moved to White County, Tenn., a year later. Here he grew to manhood.

In September, 1865, the subject of this memoir was converted by Rev. J. K. Lansden and Rev. J. E. Hickman. Soon after he joined the Cumberland Church. He felt the internal call to the ministry before he reached manhood, but fought the impression till September, 1873, at which time he placed himself under the care of the Old Sparta Presbytery, now Cookville.[sic. Cookeville] He was assigned the text, Isa. 3: 11, on which to prepare a discourse. The responsibility of the gospel ministry was impressed strongly upon him by the fathers of the presbytery. So great was this impression that he almost wished he had not made the start. He was licensed to preach in April, 1875, at Old Zion Church. Rev. T. A. Lee, T. W. Kittrell, John Kittrell and the subject of this biography were ordained at the same presbytery at Flat Creek Church, Overton County, Tenn., September, 1879. Rev. J. M. Martin preached the ordination sermon and Rev. J. E. Hickman gave the charge. Both the Revs. Kittrell are dead.

Brother Williams preached and taught school in Jackson and Macon Counties, Tenn. for several years. In 1890 he came to Texas and joined the Parsons Presbytery. Many have been the hardships borne by this brave soldier for the cause of Christ. Only a few years past while engaged as presbyterial missionary for Gregory Presbytery he was run into by a locomotive at Archer City, Tex., and barely escaped. From this time his health failed rapidly. He did fine work while engaged as missionary for Gregory Presbytery. One work was to distribute hundreds of our good books. Unassuming, humble, sincere Rev. A. L. Williams can easily take his place among the best of our men. His home is now at Shannon, Tax. He is an able presbyter. He represented his presbytery at the Bentonville assembly in 1909.

[Source: Our Senior Soldiers, The Biographies and Autobiographies of Eighty Cumberland Presbyterian Preachers. Compiled by The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication. The Assistance of Revs. J. L. Price and W. P. Kloster is Greatfully [sic: Gratefully] Acknowledged. Nashville, Tenn.: Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915, pages 47-49]

The subject of this notice was born in Fannin county, Texas, December 10, 1852. His parents removed to Tennessee when he was an infant. When a boy, fourteen years of age, he professed faith in Christ and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Not a great while after his conversion he experienced a call to the ministry, and was taken under the care of the Sparta Presbytery as a probationer for the ministry when he was about nineteen years of age, and was ordained when about twenty-one.

He was married to Miss Mary Cassetty, March 28, 1875. To this union nine children were born, all of whom are still living and all but one were present at his funeral. His wife also survives him.

Brother Williams came to Texas in 1890, and most of the time since he has lived and labored in the bounds of the Gregory Presbytery, serving at different times as stated supply of several different churches in the presbytery. He also served for one year in the capacity of presbyterial missionary of Gregory Presbytery.

Brother Williams was not what the world considered a great preacher, though his sermons were well thought out; but his pure Christian character and sweet spirit made him always trusted and loved by all who knew him.

Brother Williams died suddenly as the result of a sad accident on the third day of September, being thrown from a loaded wagon, the wheel passing over his body and breaking his back. He was buried at Post Oak cemetery, a great concourse of people from the surrounding country being present. The funeral service was conducted by the writer, using as a text Luke 6: 45, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good." The singing was conducted by Rev. C. W. C. Norwood of Bellevue. He was buried with Masonic honors of which fraternity he was a prominent member.
W. J. Walker
Vashti, Texas

[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, September 23, 1915, pages 4-5]

Ministerial Directory

A. L. Williams
Shannon, Texas
Gregory Presbytery - Texas Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian, 1915, page 230]

Ministers Lost By Death

A. L. Williams
Gregory Presbytery
Sept. 3, 1915
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1916]