Pastor celebrates 50 years of service

HARDEMAN COUNTY, Tenn. — A community is celebrating 50 years of leadership and service by a local pastor.

Since 1970, Bishop Jesse Williams has been the pastor of Campbell Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar.

Williams says when he started preaching, the church only had six members, and now it’s grown to more than 600.

Friday Williams’ family, friends and congregation recognized his dedication to enrich the Christian atmosphere in the Bolivar community.

“50 years. That’s a long time, and all my days have been good days. I didn’t have any bad days, and I really have enjoyed that,” Williams said.

Williams says he is also celebrating his retirement.