About The Author
Rev. James O. Williams, Sr. "J. O." is a lifetime Disciple, baptized in 1943 at the age of 10 and ordained in 1959 as a Disciple minister. From that time until now, he knew those who have gone before and knows those who are currently in leadership across the Christian Church Disciples of Christ in the United States and Canada. Rev. Williams has devoted his life to Christ and has served extensively throughout his life as an active member. At the height of his ministry, he served as Associate Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina, the General Board of the Christian Church in the United States and Canada, and he also chaired the Board of Directors of the Board of Church Extension. Thus, he was inspired to share its history.
Roots, Shoots, and Fruits' objective is to share the history of the Black Disciples congregations from the time of its formation until the present. The seed was planted in 1834. The trunk of the tree began to develop, and branches formed in 1872. Present day there are nine assemblies which are described in the writing as branches. Out of these assemblies, branches have produced many leaders. This history helps define and explain who we are as Disciples and will bring to mind many precious memories of days gone by.