James Herbert Williams born in Melbourne in 1847 was the youngest son Charles Williams and Anna Theodosia Belcher both from respected Dublin families. Following his father’s death in 1852 James returned to Ireland and was reared and educated by his grandparents. He returned to Australia (most likely to his Uncle, The Hon. George Frederick Belcher and was ordained in April 1873 by the Bishop of Goulburn . He served as Curate of Cooma in the diocese of Goulburn between 1873-1874 where he ministered in the Gegedzerick area. He also played an active role in the church at Boloco and records show that the church was dedicated by him, in his role of curate of Cooma, on either the 23rd o^r 24^th July, 1873. In 1875 he returned to Ireland to work as Curate of Knocknamuckly in County Down and to continue his studies.

On January 6, 1876 James was ordained as a priest by the Bishop of Goulburn in London and not only returned to the colony of Australia but also returned to the same area he had started, this time to Berridale. It was during his time at Berridale that James married Annabella Mary Willans. Annabella’s parents were Obadiah and Mary Willans nee Conolly of Queanbeyan. Mr. Willans was a prominent gentleman who held several important positions.

James and Annabella were married on 14^th November, 1876 at Christchurch, Queanbeyan. They returned to Berridale and James would have found himself very busy, ministering to a growing community. The rectory was built during his time there and he was its first occupant. James name appears on the Service Register for Nimitybelle, Goodwinsvale, Dog Kennel Creek, Arable and Coolrindon ; all these places had regular services. Micilago, Bredbo Nimitybelle and Rock Flat had occasional ones. James and Annabella welcomed their first child in Gegedzerick, Anna Mary Sophia Williams on the 27^th August, 1877.

Reverend Williams left the area in 1878 and continued his ministry in New South Wales until his death in 1913.