Early in the year 1914, Rev. R.L. Phelps, Synodical Superintendent for Mississippi Synod, arrived in Union by horse and buggy and began holding occasional services, preaching first in homes and then monthly in the Methodist Church sanctuary.
Then on September 10, 1914, a group faithful people signed a document to allow them to become a part of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. These charter members were J.W. Milling, Mrs. Mattie Milling, Miss Feenie Milling, Miss Hattie Belle Milling, Miss Sallie Milling, J.J. Nicholson, Miss Artie Nicholson, Miss Minnie Milling, Miss Bertha Nicholson, F.B. Nicholson, Mrs. F.B. Nicholson, J.M. Cole, Mary L. Cole, S.D. Whittle, Mrs. Inez Whittle, Herman Whittle, Miss Mary Whittle, B.H. Waller, Mrs. Bettie Waller, H.D. Rogers, Mrs. Zexa Rogers, Mrs. Cora B. Calvert, Mrs. Mattie Moore.
A movement was soon begun to build a place of worship. Begun in the winter of 1915, the first church building was completed in the spring of 1916 on the property on the northeast corner of North Street and Jackson Road, facing south. This church had only four classrooms, so some of the classes met in another building or in the sanctuary.
The Presbyterian Church was dedicated free of debt due to the Church Erection Fund making a grant of $800.00 on the building and the rest of the money being raised locally. The largest single contribution was that of Col. J.R. Buckwalter, who gave most of the lumber that was used in construction of the church. Next, in 1920, a manse to house the minister was built at a cost of $3,000 on the lot adjoining it facing North Street.
After the church was organized, the first minister in charge was Rev. R.A. Cody. Other ministers who have served since then are Rev. Leon Hooper, Rev. C.P. Thrailkill, Rev. A.C. Smith, Rev. A.N. Penland, Rev. J. Hayden Laster, Rev. C.P. Thrailkill returning in 1949 and serving until September, 1956, Rev. U.A. Brogden, Rev. C. William Allen, Rev. Charles L. Skinner, Rev. H.E. McNeely, Rev. W.H. Smith, Rev. D.A. Faber, Rev. L.S. Hartman, Rev. J.R. Weir, Dr. M.J. Ahlberg, and currently Rev. Chris Shelton.
In October 1963, the church transferred its membership from the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. to the Presbyterian Church, U.S. The first church was air-conditioned in 1964.
In 1965, the members began collecting money toward the building of an educational building. However, in 1966, the decision was made to build a new church rather than just make an addition to the old one. Therefore, they continued to gather money, and in 1969, they hired Charles McMullen & Associates of Jackson to design a new building. Next, they bought land at a new location at 804 East Jackson Road, and the building process soon began. Finally, work on the 7200 square foot $134,000 building began in April 1971. Then, in July 1972, the church which consisted of nine classrooms, a fellowship hall, a pastor’s study, and a sanctuary was completed.
Three of the stain-glass windows from the original church were incorporated into the fellowship hall of the new church building. In addition, in 1972, a new attractive and comfortable manse was built at 101 Woodhaven Drive in walking distance from the new church.
The women’s organization in the Presbyterian Church in America is called ‘Women in the Church.’ The church has Elders of the Church, men selected by the congregation who are charged with shepherding the flock, caring for the congregation, and watching over her spiritual needs. Together, the Pastor and the Elders make up the Session, which is charged with oversight of the ministry of the Word and prayer in the church. The role of a Deacon is to serve the congregation in its physical needs and to encourage love and good deeds for those in need.
Since the erection of the first house of worship, the Presbyterian Church has steadily gone forward, undertaking and accomplishing many worthwhile projects. The church and grounds have been beautified, and the church property is considered one of the most attractive sights in the town of Union. The church membership has gradually increased and is composed of some of the leading citizens of the town.
Thanks to Rev. Chris Shelton and the Union Appeal, Sept. 9, 1971, for information for this article. If you have additional information or memories, please contact me at teresablount26@yahoo.com or 601-774-5564.
