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Called By God
Helen Williams wrote later concerning this period of mission service that her ministerial license and her work continued without any break, but that her separate pay
stopped upon her arrival in Africa. It is puzzling that she is not listed in the 1908-10
Yearbooks, because the family have Helen’s ministerial licenses for 1908 and 1910, the
first issued by the South African Union and signed by President W. S. Hyatt, the
second issued by the Cape Colony Conference and signed by Mrs. Williams’ husband,
President E. R. Williams.
Elder Eugene Williams, in the midst of a busy itinerary, set aside Sunday, November
20, 1910, to spend with his two oldest sons. Irwin and Lewis had gone to sell Adventist
books in Malmesbury, and their father knew that a visitor from home would be
welcome. He bicycled from Worcester, where he had organized a church on Sabbath.
The day was hot as Eugene Williams pedaled on his way, making good time. But about
nine miles from Worcester “he fell prostrate by the roadside with apoplexy, where he
was found a few hours later by a passing stranger.” (South African Missionary November
28, 1910: 1.) Irwin and Lewis, anticipating their father’s arrival, received instead the
tragic message of his death. Their beloved father had fallen in his prime at the age of 43.
Because the law required burial the next day, Helen Williams with Hugh and little
Eugene could not come from Grahamstown in time for the funeral service. Thus a sad
occasion was made even more traumatic. Later a memorial service was held in
Grahamstown for the widow to attend.
Helen Williams at 42 years of age became the single parent of four sons ranging in
age from 18 months to 18 years.
The General Conference Committee voted to appropriate $500 to bring Mrs.
Williams and her sons back to the United States, supposing that the move would be
best for them. However, the action stated that if the South African Union could find
ways “for Sister Williams to render good service in the South African field, and if the
boys give promise of making workers for the missions with a little more training,” the
$500 could be used to help accomplish those ends. (General Conference Committee
Actions, December 27, 1910.)
Helen Williams was clear about her calling. In spite of her painful loss, as soon as the
period of mourning was over she moved back to Grahamstown with the two younger
boys and resumed pastoring the Grahamstown Church. The two older sons continued
their book selling. By the time the General Conference action mentioned above was
taken on December 27, Helen was already back at work. Pastoring an urban church and
performing mission service for indigenous South Africans, she completed the seven-year
term for which she and her husband had been sent as missionaries. She labored alone in
South Africa four years.
Frequently Helen Williams encouraged people in trying circumstances by assuring
them, “The battle is not yours, it’s God’s!” Her faith in that principle was tested
severely during this period, but held firm.
After her husband’s death, Helen Williams began receiving a salary in her own name
again. Her name also reappeared in the Yearbook as a licensed minister starting in 1911.
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