2470 Bruce Street
Lithonia, GA 30058
(770) 482-7088 (O)
(770) 482-8035 (F)

" The Church That's Bible Fed, Spirit Led, Christ Centered, and Mission Bound"


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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