The Union
Missionary Baptist Church was organized in the year of
our Lord 1894 by the Rev. D. K. Williams of Missouri.
There was a small wooden building erected on the north
side of the church and at the time it was called the
Second Baptist Church, located on Chigger Hill which
is now Bruce Street. Under the leadership of Rev Williams
the church family grew. He served approximately five
years and was called from labor to reward.
The church then called the Rev Tonie Baker. Under his leadership
the above named building was remodeled and enlarged. Rev.
Baker served faithfully for seven years until he was called
from labor to reward.
In 1908, the Union Baptist Church
called the Rev. J. D. Dobbs who was the moderator of the
Yellow River Missionary
Baptist Church Association. In 1911, a stone church was
built. Rev. Dobbs served willingly and patiently for eleven
years, until he was called to his eternal home.
In 1920,
the Rev. N. O. Manely was called to Pastor. He served
faithfully for 10 years, and under his administration
the church was paid in full.
In 1931, another God fearing
man came our way. Under the strong leadership of Rev. N.
T. Walker, the church was
covered with a roof which has only recently been repaired.
The first walkway was constructed, street lights were installed,
and the Baptism pool was erected. There were three acres
of land bought and a host of members were added to the
church. Rev. Walker served for 14 years, resigning in 1944.
Rev.
M. W. Watts was called in April of 1945. During his
leadership, parking areas were paved and the construction
of the new building began. He served faithfully for the
next six years.
In 1951, we were blessed with a dynamic
and powerful leader. Rev. Felix Lavonia Thomas's ministerial
endeavors, teachings
and preaching added to our church numerically and financially.
Under his leadership, the new rock building annex was completed
and paid for. The main auditorium was decorated three times,
including the installation of new carpeting, pews, and
a baptism pool.
Rev. Thomas organized the F. L. Thomas Bible
Institute, The Junior Church, a City-Wide Daily Vacation
Bible School,
the annual Easter Sunrise Services held on Pine Mountain,
the observance of "Fellowship Day" on the third
Sunday in January, and the observance of "Family Day" still
celebrated on the third Sunday in March.
Rev. Thomas was
the moderator of the Yellow River Missionary Baptist Association,
Trustee of the Union Baptist Institute
in Athens, Ga., and chairman of Rockdale County Fifth District
of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia.
After twenty-two years of faithful service, Rev. Thomas
retired, and was later called to rest. The youth choir
is named in memory of the pastor that cared so much about
youth and education.
In 1974, the church called Rev. J.
L. Smith. Under his leadership, the F.L. Thomas Choir which
has grown considerably,
was divided by age groups forming a young adult choir ages
16-30. This new group became the J. L. Smith Young Adult
Choir because of the time, effort, and dedication shown
by Rev. Smith.
After 5 years of faithful service, Rev. Smith
resigned, but under his administration, new windows were
installed
in the auditorium, new carpeting, and a micro-audio system
was purchased. Sunday worship service was extended to the
first through the fourth Sundays.
In 1978, the church called the honorable Rev. J. L. Freeman,
Sr., a firm believer in the Bible. He held Wednesday night
Bible classes and started week long training institutes
twice a year. He encouraged the organization of the 26/46
Mission Society. A new musical group, the J. L. Freeman
Male Choir was formed in his honor. Additional accomplishments
under Rev. Freeman's administration include the renovation
of heating and air conditioner, the purchase of a Baby
Grand Piano, the renovation of the Sanctuary, the repair
of the Bell Tower, the renovation of the front and side
entrances to the church, the construction of a handicap
accessible ramp, and the remodeling, of the bathrooms.
New Saturday morning Discipleship Classes were taught by
our Assistant Pastor, the Rev. William Boddie.
Rev. Freeman
led the celebration of our 99th Anniversary and had the
foresight to begin planning the 100 year anniversary.
He formed a committee and gave them a vision of a grand
celebration. He wanted Union Missionary ready to began
the next century with a strong commitment to doing great
things in the name of the Lord and the 100 Year Anniversary
was the beginning of the spiritual rebirth. In October
1993, the Lord call Rev. Freeman home after almost 15 years
of dedicated service. His dream has lived on and become
a reality. The church family made the 100 year Anniversary
an memorable, glorious time of celebration and thanksgiving.
He is especially remembered and loved on this special day.
We are grateful for all his hard and inspiration.
Rev. William
Boddie became interim pastor after Rev. Freeman's passing.
He held us together and paved the way for our
next called leader.
Rev. C. Andre Grier, Sr. was called
to be our present Spiritual Leader on March 4, 1994. He
was installed May
1, 1994. He has been passed on a torch which was lighted
by our Founding Fathers to ensure that this great institution
will stand long to shelter worshipers, to save souls and
spread the word of God throughout this great world.
We must
continue the work that has been begun. God has been good
to us and in a spirit or gratitude, we praise
him. We look back with pride and look ahead with joy.
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