As the years passed and the number of new members of the Methodist Church increased, in 1949 the membership began a fund for a new church building to accommodate its growth. The membership voted to tear down the old church and locate the new building in the same place. They also bought the home and lot next door to get extra footage on the east.
In November 1951, the actual dirt work began. Then, in the spring of 1953, the old church was razed to prepare for the rebuilding of the new church. During this time, the church services were held at Union High School. H.O. West was contractor with builders Alton Staton & Sons and Rudolph and Ernest Watkins, along with painter J.P. McMahan.
Although the building was not completed, the first services in this white brick three-story structure valued at more than $150,000 were held on the ground floor on November 22, 1953. On this date, an additional $25,000 was raised to pay on the building. The official opening service was on April 11, 1954. Then, on February 5, 1956, the day of the church dedication, the final amount needed to pay off the debt was raised.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Mrs. McBeath taught kindergarten in the church. It eventually closed, but in 1991, the church’s membership opened the church basement for another preschool program to begin, a program which is still functioning strongly today.
Since that centennial celebration in 1963, the church has made more changes. In 1968, the Methodist Church and the United Brethren Conferences were united to form the United Methodist Church.
In 1974, a group of Methodist ladies decided to hold an annual bazaar. For several years, they met weekly from one bazaar to the next to work on handmade items to sell. In addition, they sold cookbooks, prepared foods, and chicken/spaghetti meals on the day of the bazaar. Their earnings were used for church improvements or donations to worthy causes.
In 1978, a renovation of the church building took place. The sanctuary and interior of the building was painted and new carpet installed. The total membership was 255.
The church made repairs on the parsonage on Pinecrest Drive and purchased a new 15-passenger van in 1981. Then, as a memorial to Mrs. Cora McMahen, her family added a new floor-level entrance into the sanctuary.
Next, on October 21, 1984, the church held a Bi-Centennial Celebration of Methodism.
In 1985, a new public address system was installed and paid for by bazaar funds of the United Methodist Women. Additionally, improvements on the parsonage were made, and the first floor of the church was renovated and air-conditioned.
The church held a 125th celebration of the founding church with many special programs throughout the year of 1988.
In 1989, the church became a member of the Mississippi Conference and the Meridian District. In 2012, the Mt. Zion UMC closed, so the Union-Mt. Zion charge dissolved. Finally, the Union-Lake charge was created in 2018.
The Centennial booklet reported memories of the early Methodist Church:
The Ladies Aid Society met every Monday morning for a prayer group. All of the ladies raised chickens; they kept their eggs collected on Sunday to sell on Monday, and then they put that money into the collection basket.
Mrs. Cora McMahen and Mrs. W.L. Collins went to McDonald to a mill town hotel that was closing and selling out its goods. They bought furniture for the parsonage for $25.00. To raise the money to pay for it, the ladies went to Mt. Zion and brought in a wagon load of chickens and farm produce to sell.
The railroad would deliver free of charge anything going to the Methodist or Baptist Children’s Homes in Jackson, so the ladies had a ‘packing day’ at the church with farmers contributing corn and potatoes.
Once a month, the pastor spent Saturday night visiting in different homes.
Each member paid a dime every Monday to the local treasurer - $5.20 per year. Sometimes one could hear another member ask the treasurer, “Have I paid my dimes?”
Mrs. Cora McMahen and Mrs. Mamie Edgar borrowed a wagon and team and drove them out into the country to solicit for the preacher. They would return with a wagon load of corn, potatoes, molasses, and hens. They turned them over to the preacher as part of his salary since money was so scarce.
Members of the Women’s Missionary Society picked cotton to raise money for the society. One year, they also had the “Lord’s Acre” where they planted and picked cotton and then donated the proceeds to the building fund.
The Union United Methodist Church continues to be a vital part of our community.
If you have additions or memories to share, contact me at teresablount26@yahoo.com or 601-774-5564.
