James Leonidas Holland


1859-1932

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From Priestly Genealogy

Christine Henderson sent the following which she took from Priestley Genealogy by H. J (Herschel) Priestley, Page 112A. Herschel Priestley is a Christian and a friend of mine. He lives near Greenfield, Tenn. J. L. and Anna Holland were his uncle and aunt. (Basil Overton, The World Evangelist, Oct. 1993, 3).

James Leonidas Holland was born to John H. and Narciss Bridgers Holland, April 3, 1859 near Petersburg, Tennessee, in Marshall County. He was one of twelve children. He was baptized into the church at the age of 17 He worshipped, as did the rest of the Holland family, at the Old Cane Creek Church of Christ near Petersburg. Later he became minister and held several meetings at this congregation.

In 1882 Leonidas entered Burritt College at Spencer, Tennessee, and studied for the ministry. For several years he preached for churches in Manor, Texas and surrounding territory. After about four years he returned to Tennessee where he spent Christmas holidays at the home of Ann Priestley, who had been a classmate at Burritt College. On December 16, 1886, he and Ann; were married. They went to Austin, Texas, January 5, 1887. In a few days they went on to Manor, Texas, where they lived on a ranch.

After six years, the Hollands returned to live in Greenfield Tennessee. He preached in Weakley, Gibson, and Obion counties at first, but soon extended his appointments to Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. He was instrumental in establishing several congregations in these states, and they have continued their growth throughout all these years.

Brother Holland died at his home in Greenfield, Tennessee, on August 12, 1932.

FROM AN OBITUARY IN THE GREENFIELD GAZETTE

Christine also sent me an obituary on her grandfather which was in the Greenfield Gazette. I leaned some of the following from it.

Brother Holland studied under several great Bible teachers at Burritt College including Dr. T. W. Brents who was president of that college 1878-1882. He wrote two books: (1) The Gospel Plan Of Salvation, and Gospel Sermons. J. L. also studied singing under such masters as the Tillman brothers, J. H. and Frank, who were noted hymn writers and singers.

It was at Burritt College that J. L. met Anna Priestley whom he married. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Priestley who were pioneer settlers in West Tennessee. J. L. and Anna had four children: Eva, who was born in Texas, and Carrie, Leonidas, and Mary who were born in Greenfield. Anna died in 1929 about three years before J. L. died.

J. L. preached for many years for the Greenfield Church of Christ, and also evangelized in other places in West Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Brother Holland was associated in his work of preaching the gospel with such preachers as J. H. Roulhac, E. C. L. Denton, J. S. Haskins, Joe Ratcliff, John R. Williams, and A. G. Freed, and with them established many congregations. He also engaged in several debates.

Here is a quote from that obituary in the Greenfield Gazette in 1932.

Brother Holland’s life was one of Christian service. He was never too busy to stop and help he needy, befriend the friendless, and spoke words of comfort and cheer to those unfortunately circumstanced. He was always more mindful of his fellowman's need than of his own. Thus he truly preached his sermons and his funeral orations in his everyday life.

A real neighbor, a true friend -- loyal and devoted to his family and to all whom he loved, an( they were all whom he met -- and a “hero of faith” in him whom he recognized as the Captain of his Soul. He lived and died by the Book that he loved, in the triumph of a living faith.

Funeral services were held at the Greenfield church of Christ Sunday afternoon, August 14, at 3 o'clock amid a throng of approximately 1500 relatives and friends who mourned his passing Fitting expressions of love and sympathy were made by brethren Alonzo Williams, of Lebanon; Eph P. Smith, of Martin; and H. I. Copeland, of Ripley. Other preachers present were: brethren H. Leo Boles, of Nashville; W. R. Hassell, of Trenton; Fred W. Chunn, of Henry; Eugene V. Wood, of Dallas, Texas; and Ealon V. Wilson, of Memphis.

Funeral arrangements were in charge of Brasfield, Maness and Williams. Interment was in the family plot in Highland cemetery in Greenfield.

Basil Overton, The World Evangelist, Oct. 1993, 3.
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His son, John Holland, is buried next to him in the Greenfield Cemetery.