Church Member Spotlight: Jack Williams

Steve Cordle
ECB Publishing, Inc

Jack Williams is a long time member of nearly 30 years at  Christ Episcopal Church, on North Jefferson St., in Monticello.

Originally from Wisconsin, he has spent most of his life in Florida. Jack serves the congregation in many ways such as an occasional Sunday School teacher, he also is a Lay Reader (reading scripture aloud as part of the Sunday service) and has served as a Chalice Bearer (the person who, during the Eucharist, distributes the wine.). He also takes part in the leadership by serving  on the Vestry (the board of directors).
Like a lot of people, Jack was raised in a Christian family, but, says that “I lost my faith at about age 14. It was a loss I grieved over for more than 30 years.” Some lose faith and never regain it. However, Jack eventually “found faith again at 11:00 AM, Sunday, Sept. 8, 1991 in Christ Church.” What Jack likes best about Christ Episcopal Church is the “beautiful ritual and liturgy of the services (similar to Catholic services). The congregation is the nicest bunch of people I've ever been associated with; it's really a church family.”

Williams’ favorite hymn is “Amazing Grace," especially the line "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.” To go with that favorite song is dozens of favorite passages of Scripture. One of which is Jesus saying, "Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me."

When he was on the job, Williams was a college professor and is a retired mental health counselor. He first arrived in Jefferson County in 1986. He said that “I've been all over the U.S, and I've traveled in several foreign countries. Jefferson County is my favorite place in all the world.” Williams has been growing vegetables for distribution by Christ Episcopal’s Food Pantry Program and has as personal goals to continue to support the church financially, to behave like Christian, and to take on any task I'm capable of doing.

When he’s not busy with church activities and growing vegetables, you might see Williams directing and acting in plays at the Monticello Opera House, where he also serves on the Opera House Board. He also gives attention to his dog, cat and two horses.

Finally, there are some other things that attracted him to Christ Episcopal Church. “Before I ever attended a service, I noticed that the church did good things for the community.” Some of the specifics he pointed out are the food pantry, providing food for the poor. The men's group was going out to do home repairs for families that could not afford them. As well as the day in Jan., 1991, when Jack says “I was watching the Martin Luther King Day parade. Our priest, Father Bill Yates, was the only white guy in the parade. I thought, "Wow! These people actually do things that reflect the teachings of Jesus!"