CA-015-003-005: Brenda Williams, August 22, 2025

Item

Collection number: CA-015-003-005

Brenda Williams, Oral History Interview, August 22, 2025 [MP3]

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

Riverhill Missionary Baptist Church was formally organized under Rev. Robert Troupe in 1873 by a group of worshippers who previously attended nearby Macedonia Baptist Church. Shortly thereafter—about three-quarters of a mile up the old River Street Road—Sister Amy Wilson and fellow congregants built and named the first church edifice; the “River Hill” name has remained in use ever since. Over the years, under leaders such as Rev. H. B. Bland, the congregation weathered periods of trial and growth, sustaining its Baptist mission and community ministries into the twentieth century and beyond.

Dates

August 22, 2025

Creator

Williams, Brenda (Interviewee, Person)
Hamer, Bonnie (Interviewer, Person)
Tucker, Nehemiah (Interviewer, Person)

Biographical / Historical

Brenda Williams was born in Valdosta, Georgia, and has been a lifelong member of Riverhill Missionary Baptist Church. Raised in the Jones Community, she grew up actively participating in Sunday School, the Junior Missionary, youth choir, church programs, and union meetings, experiences that fostered her lifelong commitment to faith, service, and fellowship. Throughout her years of church membership, Williams has served in numerous ministries and auxiliaries, supporting youth programs, nursing home outreach, church events, and congregational care while embracing a philosophy of serving wherever she is needed. Professionally, she dedicated thirty-five years to education as a special education teacher, earning degrees from Albany State University, Troy State University, and the University of Sarasota before retiring in 2018. Williams remains committed to preserving the history and traditions of Riverhill Missionary Baptist Church, advocating for historical recognition of the church and passing its legacy of faith, service, and community to future generations.

Extent

From the Collection: X items

Language

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Overview

Brenda Williams shares her lifelong connection to Riverhill Missionary Baptist Church, describing its role in shaping her faith, values, and commitment to service. She recalls childhood traditions such as Sunday school collections, union meetings, church fellowships, and community gatherings. Williams discusses her many roles within the church, including youth activities, ministries, and support for church members, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and outreach. She reflects on her career as a special education teacher and how the lessons of compassion, kindness, and service learned from her family and church guided her work. Williams highlights the importance of preserving Riverhill’s history, traditions, and legacy for future generations.