William Dawson Jeffcoat (1929–2014)

William was a Gospel preacher and a Hymnologist. He received his higher education at Itawamba Community College, Memphis State University, Freed-Hardeman College and Harding Graduate School of Religion. He is an Honorary Graduate of Memphis School of Preaching. He has preached for many years including considerable radio preaching, and has spoken during numerous Bible lectureships.

Mr. Jeffcoat has written for such religious journals as the Gospel Advocate, Spiritual Sword, First Century Christian, Voice of Freedom, Firm Foundation, and various other periodicals. He has contributed chapters to several books and has also authored several books. Much of his writing in various journals, as well as numerous lectures, has involved church music, the evils of alcoholic beverages, Church Restoration History, and Civil War History.

For several years he directed the Freed-Hardeman College Chapel Singers, including both mixed chorus and male quartet, who made personal appearances in many states and recorded for International Gospel Hour, in addition to television appearances each Sunday. Since 1957 he has written over five hundred sacred songs, many of which have been published in such hymnals as Christian Hymns III, Precious Praises, Songs of the Church, and Church Gospel Songs and Hymns, several of which have been translated into foreign languages. He has an extensive collection of music material including over one thousand hymnals, several of which date to the 1700's. The Metro Manila School of Preaching in the Philippines Islands, school theme song was written by Mr. Jeffcoat.