A Brief History of Union United Methodist Church
Records indicate that Union United Methodist Church has been a
vital part of this community since 1831. The original
congregation met near a spring adjacent to what is now Union Springs
Road. On December 12, 1831, Solomon Grace sold two and one half
acres for use by the Methodist Episcopal Church as a house of
worship. In 1876, the trustees of the church sold the original
property and moved the church to its present location. Many of
the original family names are still well known in the area and the
church continues to serve as a house of worship, meeting place and
community center.
The 1876 Sanctuary still stands and is used each Sunday. The
foundation rocks of the original structure at Union Springs were moved
to the new location. The church has been extensively remodeled
at least three times; the clapboard siding was covered with brick, the
entrances changed and additional buildings have been attached.
But elements of the original structure are still a part of today's
facilities.
In addition to the historical physical record, Union UMC preserves
and promotes the values which inspired her forbearers. Strong
ties to the community, deep faith in Providence and unwavering devotion
to family are character marks of this congregation.
A Sunday School was established in 1879 and an annual Bible School
began in 1940. Music, preaching, teaching and mission outreach have
been cornerstones of church life from the beginning. The church
serves as a community center hosting social, cultural and educational
meetings. The cemetery is a testimony to the church's desire to
meet the needs of families in times of celebration and in times of loss.
Congregational life revolves around the desire to experience and
worship God. Celebration, service, sharing and caring are the
lynchpins of the faith community at Union United Methodist
Church. There is a profound understanding that we are building
on the work of those who have gone on before and that we are the
foundation of faith and service for those who will follow in our
footsteps. In that knowledge and understanding, we humbly offer
ourselves to the work of Almighty God in the time and in this place.
A more detailed history of Union UMC is available at the church office (770-483-4338)
