J. HOWARD WILLIAMS

The breadth of a man’s time does not always directly correspond with the impact of his influence. Although the tenure of his presidency is the shortest, J. Howard Williams exemplified the heart and passion of the spiritual giants who had preceded him and issued a progressive plan for the future of the institution. Keen administrative abilities combined with a zeal for missions and a heart for fellowship helped him accomplish an extraordinary amount of work in his five years as president of Southwestern Seminary.

John Howard Williams was born to devout Christian parents near Dallas on July 3, 1894. The third of 12 children, he was forced to grow up quickly, dropping out of school in the fourth grade to earn money for the family. After taking out money to tithe and pay for transportation to and from work, he would give the rest of the money to his mother to meet the family’s needs.

That same year, at a revival meeting led by George W. Truett, Williams placed his faith in Jesus Christ. His first lesson in missions came soon after, when his father challenged him and his brother to see how much cotton they could pick in one day so that they could give the money they earned toward mission work. Little did his father know the impact that day would have on Williams’ dedication to missions and stewardship.

Williams felt called to preach at age 15, and the church graciously provided opportunities for him to serve. By 1913, he reportedly had preached in nearly every church in the local Baptist association.

Wanting to return to his education, Williams entered ninth grade at age 18. He then attended Baylor, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1918. During his final year in college, he was burdened by World War I; after graduation, he enlisted as a chaplain in the Army.

Upon returning to the states, Williams married Floy Kelly on June 23, 1920, and became a pastor. He also attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received his master’s degree in theology under L. R. Scarborough’s administration in 1922. He did further graduate work at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and received an honorary doctorate from Baylor University in 1932.

Throughout his life, Williams served as pastor of seven churches, including some of the strongest in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). In each church, he organized denominational programs and championed evangelism, missions, and stewardship. He served as a trustee of several institutions and helped lead many successful financial campaigns.

Williams was an extraordinary model of personal evangelism and a spontaneous witness, looking for opportunities to share the Gospel with everyone he met. He cared about everyone and often asked, “How are you getting along, neighbor?” It was said of him, “Who can estimate how many cab drivers, waitresses, and people in every job that serves the public warmed to that question and heard it followed by another one about Jesus and their need for him?”

Williams became a denominational leader, serving as the executive secretary of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) for 13 years and president of the BGCT from 1938 to 1939. While serving the BGCT, he spearheaded missionary, educational, and benevolence programs totaling $40 million. In each place he served, he was recognized for his brilliant administrative skills, vision, and wholehearted dedication to the Gospel.

In 1953, Williams was elected the fourth president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He enthusiastically presented a grand vision to raise $10 million for the seminary, with $5 million going toward endowment. The other half of the money would be used to enlarge the faculty, complete renovations to existing buildings, and construct needed facilities. Although he would not see all of these projects completed before his death, he set the wheels in motion for his successors to see the seminary reach new heights.

A winsome spirit quickly earned the respect and friendship of the faculty. Williams believed the primary function of the administration was “to enable the faculty to deliver its fullest potential impact on the student body.” He increased the faculty by 37 professors, which dramatically decreased the student-to-teacher ratio. Additionally, he brought a new emphasis on rural pastor training by employing a professor to offer courses in the department of pastoral ministry.

After suffering a severe heart attack, Williams’ presidency was cut short by his sudden death on April 20, 1958. In the middle of celebrating its 50th year, which he helped plan, the seminary put festivities on hold to mourn the loss of its beloved leader and friend.

The Sunday before J. Howard Williams died was Easter Sunday. He preached on the resurrection of Christ, as he had so many times before. After the service, he began talking to two teenagers, and after an extended discussion, each of them made professions of faith. His final days demonstrated his faithfulness to his Master’s work until the end.