By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

Elder William Fitts of Emanuel Temple Church on Simmsville Road is well- known in the Alabaster area. He has been the elder (which is the head preacher) at his church for more than 33 years.

Without a theology degree, William Fitts “apprenticed, trained and took classes” to fill the position of elder after being a laborer for most of his younger years.

Born and raised in Marengo County in “hard times,” Fitts’ father left Faunsdale to go to Selma and then later to Birmingham until he had the money to bring his family to the Birmingham area. One of five boys and two girls, Fitts is no stranger to hard work.

After his first wife of more than 50 years passed away, Fitts was depressed and so lonely. A preacher friend of his in Tuskegee called and told him to come to Faith Ministry in Tuskegee – he had someone Fitts needed to meet.

“She wouldn’t give me the time of day at first,” Fitts said. Mamie had been on her own for many years, and had a void in her life for a Christian companion.

“At our age, we had no time to waste,” said Fitts. Just three months later, on Feb. 21, 2009, Mamie and William were married. They complete each other so well, one would think they had been long married. Between the two of them, they have four living children and more than 25 grandchildren. Mamie’s grandchildren in Atlanta want to know “where’s Grandpa?” if she visits alone.

“All I have ever wanted to do was be saved so I could see Jesus. Now I want to tell everybody don’t waste time on foolish things. Life is too short,” Fitts said.

Elder Fitts loves Acts 2:38 which says “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Known to all for his spirit-filled sermons, sincere concern for his flock and his fellow man, William Fitts is cheerful, handsome and energetic. “God has blessed me with two good women” he said.

 

Community columnist Sandra Thames can be reached by e–mail at bobthames1942@yahoo.com.