Williams, Joshua, Dd

Williams, Joshua, D.D.

a Presbyterian divine, was born in Chester County, Pa., Aug. 8,1767. He pursued his preparatory studies in Gettysburg; graduated at Dickinson College in 1795; studied theology privately; was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Carlisle Oct. 4, 1797, and was ordained and installed pastor of the united congregations of Derry and Paxton, Oct 2, 1799. In April, 1802, he became pastor of the Congregation of Big Spring, where he continued to labor for twenty-seven years; during which period, as appears from his church register, he admitted to communion four hundred and twenty-six persons. In April, 1829, on account of bodily infirmities, he resigned his charge, but continued to preach as his health permitted and opportunity offered until his death, Aug. 21, 1838. Dr. Williams was a man of vigorous and comprehensive mind, learned and able in his profession; as a preacher, sound, evangelical, and instructive. His only publication, besides occasional contributions to periodicals, was a Sermon on the Sinner's Inability. See Sprague, Annals of the Amer. Pulpit, 4:186; Nevin, Churches of the Valley; Allibone, Dict. of Brit and Amer. Authors, s.v. (J. L. S.)