First Baptist Church continued to expand when in December 1959, the house of Frank Nicholson on the NW side of Horne and Walnut Streets was purchased and removed to make room for a paved parking lot. Next, in 1960, Otis Foster, whose home was located on the lot adjoining the church, sold his house to the church. Then, in October 1963, the church auctioned it off, and it was moved farther down McRaven Street to make room for future development.
Also, in 1960, a mission on the west side of town was begun under the leadership of the First Baptist Church. Then, in 1965, a new church building was completed, and Emmanuel Baptist became a self-sufficient church.
In 1968, a three-phase long-range building program began. The first phase was the purchasing of a lot and the building of a new pastorium at 203 Woodhaven Drive. Dedication was May 17, 1970. At that time, the former pastorium on Main Street became the home of the Minister of Music and Youth.
The second phase was a new Educational and Fellowship Building built on the lot which the church had purchased from Otis Foster. It was dedicated April 16, 1972. The north side of the 7,695 square foot building contains a ‘carpeted area’ assembly room that opens into eight classrooms. The ‘fellowship hall’ on the south side is a multi-purpose center. Folding doors that make divisions for six classrooms can also be opened for the entire area to be used for suppers, banquets, and recreational activities. It also includes a cafeteria style kitchen and an additional classroom.
The final phase of the program consisted of a new sanctuary, office suite, library, and choir rehearsal area built on the site of the old church sanctuary. The last service in the old sanctuary was held February 25, 1973. Then beginning on Monday, April 2, 1973, wrecking services demolished the building. During the two years of construction time, two services were held in the Fellowship Hall each Sunday. The new sanctuary was occupied in August of 1975, and a Dedication Service was held for it on November 2, 1975.
Two years later in 1977, an adjoining steeple equipped with an automatic carillon bell system was added. Also, in March 1977, the church bought the store originally built by M.C. Thomas at 310 Main Street. They demolished the building to make that area into a parking lot. Finally, on November 1, 1981, a Debt Retirement Day for the three-phase building program begun in 1968 was held.
The church held a Centennial Celebration in 1985.
As the church membership continued to grow, the members decided to build a Family Life Center as an outreach service. Plans for a facility that included a full-sized basketball court, a kitchen, a meeting room, bathrooms, and an exercise area were approved on February 18, 2004. The facility would be built across the street to the west on the area used for parking. To keep a safe walkway from the church to the proposed new Family Life Center, the Town of Union Board of Aldermen voted to close Walnut Street on the west side of the church. The facility was completed on June 22, 2005, and then dedicated February 12, 2006. Also, this same year, the former Gulf Station was transformed into a parking lot for the church.
In 2010, the church celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Next, in March 2012, the church bought the house at 123 Park Street to house the Minister of Music. After that move, in 2013, the house next to the church on Main Street that had originally been built as a pastorium was demolished.
The next project took place in 2015 when the church completed a renovation of the sanctuary built in 1975. Next, in 2019 came renovation of the educational center opened in 1956. Finally, in April 2019, the church bought the building at 308 Main Street to use as church offices.
The church freely offers use of its facilities to various groups in the community. For example, Vacation Bible School is offered to all young people in the area. Also, the Chamber of Commerce holds its annual banquet in the Family Life Center. In addition, Union High School’s various classes and organizations use the Family Life Center and the Sanctuary for banquets, awards programs, and Baccalaureate Services.
The First Baptist Church continues to contribute to the town of Union and its people.
If you have memories or additions, contact me at teresablount26@yahoo.com or 601-774-5564.
