The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]
The Rev. William James Williams
The Rev. William James Williams, the Pastor of the Pitt Street Church, is a Cornishman by birth. He began to preach when he was seventeen years of age, and as “the boy preacher” was very popular. In 1870, in company with the Rev. J. J. Lewis, J. S. Smalley, and F. W. Isitt, he arrived in New Zealand. During the past thirty years he has been appointed to several of the principal circuits; Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Wanganui, Lyttelton, and Timaru having had the benefit of his ministry. He has thrice filled the position of Conference Secretary, and in 1888 was elected to the Presidency.