In 1917, Howard S. Williams moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, after a long career in journalism. Previous to his time in Hattiesburg, he worked for newspapers in Alabama (Anniston Hot Blast and Birmingham Age-Herald) and wrote for the Associated Press in Atlanta and Mexico City. Upon moving to Hattiesburg, he was among a group of men who bought the Hattiesburg Daily Herald and renamed it the Hattiesburg American, with the first issue printed on October 1, 1917. Williams served as the newspaper’s first editor.
In 1922, Williams attended a revival meeting featuring the British evangelist Rodney “Gipsy” Smith where he experienced a conversion. Williams left his career as a journalist, bought a large tent, and dedicated his life to travelling the country leading religious revivals.
The undated promotional card above advertises Williams’ 2-week revival outside the Fayette County Court House (state unknown). Assisting Williams with his “uplifting” and “soul stirring” sermons was Rev. Carl Welborn, who arranged the musical accompaniment for the revivals. The photograph above was taken early in his career (c1925) after his performance in Herrin.