OLD UNION CHURCH

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FROM A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE THAT WAS PUBLISHED ON THE "ONE HUNDREDTH" ANNIVERSARY IN 1953.

On August 20,1853, the Union Primitive Baptist Church was organized with seventeen members, seven men and the women which are as follows:

DAWSON BELL

JOEL S. TYSON

BENJAMIN DUNLAP

ARNOLD THOMASON Photo

WILLIAM L. ARNOLD

BEN A. CULLEN

MARY J. ARNOLD

NANCY BELL

ANGELINE DUNLAP

LUCRETIA DINKINS

LOUISA HERRON

NANCY WILSON

CAROLINE BUTLER

HARRIET LAWRENCE

REBECCA CROWLEY

CAROLINE M. BUTLER

The building, made of logs, was erected on an acre plot of land donated to the church by RICHARD THOMASON. The plot was part of the adjoining THOMASON farm, and was studded with trees of oak and gum, which for many years added to the beautiful location of the church. The THOMASON family was one of the pioneer families of the community and they were members of the only church. The church is located in the Western part of Henry County on the McKenzie-Como road about eight miles north of McKenzie.

In 1895 the old log house was removed and the present frame building was constructed within a few feet of the original building. It has been repaired and repainted many times and is now in good condition. In 1951 it was wired for electric current.

The church soon after organization petitioned the Obion Association of Primitive Baptist Churches for membership and was received. The one hundred twenty-fourth annual session of that association was held with Union Church.

The first Sunday and Saturday before were used as meeting days for several years after organization, then the fourth Sunday and Saturday before were used until 1878. At that time the third Sunday and Saturday before were agreed upon as regular meeting days; this practice continued to be in operation for about fifty years. The church now meets on the fourth Sunday and Saturday before.

Communion and feet-washing services are held twice each year---May and August. These services were regularly observed during the entire history of this church. It has been the custom of the church to hold conference at each monthly meeting, usually after preaching services on Saturday, the pastor serving as moderator of the conference.

Records show irregular conference during the years 1861-1865. The Civil War was not mentioned in the records, but it is evident that the war was the cause of these irregular meetings.

The old church has had a wonderful influence for good in the community around and about her. Every one in the community is a friend to his neighbor, ever ready to assist in time of need. This church has ever been a great asset to the splendid community in which it is located. Christian love, fellowship, and friendship have abounded much in her borders. Her membership is composed of those who are loyal to the great Cause of OUR HEAVENLY MASTER. Many times during the years gone by the church yard and all available space were literally covered with horses, mules, buggies and wagons of those who had driven various distances, to enjoy the services at the old church.

In June 1901, a tornado passed through this community, causing much damage. It's winds struck this church while services were being held and partially moved it from it's foundation. It seemed a miracle that no one was injured in the confusion. Many trees to which horses and mules were hitched in the church yard were uprooted and blown in various directions by the severe winds. It was reported that not an animal was injured and only one wagon wheel was broken.

Brethren ordained to the ministry while members of this church were:

JOHN ARNOLD, 1871

RICHARD L. ATKINS, 1871

T. N. WALLACE, 1874.

The number, or figure, "seven" which was spoken of in the Bible as a complete number, is found twice in the list of charter members seven brethren and 17 total membership. This fact strengthens our feeling that it is the Church of the LIVING GOD, that it was organized, builded, protected, sustained, and upheld by the guiding influence of our HEAVENLY FATHER.

The additions to the church each succeeding year showed a steady growth from it's organization. The record shows a greater number joined this church in the month of August than in any other month; and probably a greater number united to this church under the preaching of the late Elder T. N. Wallace, and were baptized by him than any other minister. We are not able to obtain from the records the accuracy of this statement.

Under the pastorship of both Elders A. B. ROSS and Z. STALLINGS many additions were made to the church. Elder STALLINGS served the church as pastor longer than any other pastor. The greatest number of additions to the church in any 10 year period was made in the period from 1893 to 1903; this number being 96. The fewest number of additions to the church was during the period of 1933 to 1943.

The tradition of the church as to discipline was closely observed; the Bible was employed. Dishonesty and failure to pay honest debts without sufficient cause was soon investigated. Profane language and excessive indulgence in worldly activities were not tolerated and were considered detrimental to the church. Irregularity of attendance or failure to attend regular meetings for any great length of time was observed, and the cause of failure was ascertained. Much patience was used in disciplinary actions, but members were excluded when necessary.

In one case a brother was excluded for the use of profane language an laying a musical instrument for non-members to dance. A Sisters name was withheld from church books because of her refusal to be baptized, after previously asking admission into the church.

At no time do the records show a stipulated amount or set salary paid by the church to her pastors.

Fathers and mothers were diligent in their efforts to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It was understood by all the family that it was their duty to attend the regular church services.

Our forefathers were ever watchful in their efforts to guard the alter and make sure that no new doctrine or practice crept in to mark the peace and happiness of the church. The church today can realize the fruitful effects of the wise and vigilant manner in which this church was protected by our ancestors. May we as descendants of those GOD- fearing, GOD-loving men and women give thanks to our LORD for the many blessings that have come to us through this church.

The records of the proceedings of this old church and the numerous traits of Christian character exemplified by her membership through the many years show marks of close resemblance to the true church of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.

The articles of Faith and Rules of Decorum as were adopted by this organization a century ago are yet adhered to, believed in, and upheld by those who worship in the congregations that meet from month to month. The same fundamental principles of faith and practice as were at its organization are still promulgated from its after - Salvation by Grace and Grace alone.

A beautiful, well-kept cemetery is on a nearby hill overlooking the church building. It is here that many of our ancestors, who so faithfully attended this old church and who loved the principles of truth as were taught in her sacred after, are silently sleeping.

I am sure that all of those who have been reared in the community of this old church feel deeply grateful for the good influence that has been shed on us by this sacred organization.

May GOD continue to bless the church with blessings both temporal and spiritual as long as time goes on. And may she be as a city set on a hill that cannot be hid, and her good influence continue from generation to generation, and GOD be honored and glorified.

The names of the pastors in order of service are:

ELDER T. L. DANIEL 1853

ELDER T. D. L. KEEN 1856

ELDER T. L. DANIEL 1859

ELDER R. L. VEAZEY 1863

ELDER J. B. SLATE 1877

ELDER J. G. WEBB 1881

ELDER T. L. ATKINS 1883

ELDER J. N. WALLACE 1887,1896,1901

ELDER C. H. CAYCE 1901

ELDER S. L. PETTUS 1904

ELDER A. B. ROSS 1906

ELDER W. L. MURRAY 1914,1916

ELDER A. B. ROSS 1920

ELDER Z. STALLINGS 1921

ELDER W. E. BLACKBURN 1943

ELDER THOMAS TOLLEY 1953

The names of the deacons who have served the church since her organization are as follows:

DAWSON BELL

JOHN ARNOLD

J. SIMPSON TYSON

ARNOLD THOMASON

JOSEPH ATKINS

RICHARD D. THOMASON

JAMES H. OWEN

JOEL W. TYSON

THOMAS B. MILLER

HOUSTON OWEN

JOSEPH B. LAWRENCE

WILLIE A. LAWRENCE

ROBERT OWEN

CHARLIE LAWRENCE

JIM PERRY

Total 15---The present deacons

WILLIE A. LAWENCE, JIM PERRY, and CHARLIE LAWRENCE.

The following members have served the church as elected clerks since it's organization:

D. N. WALLACE

R. L. ATKINS

A. THOMASON

D. L. ATKINS

J. T. ATKINS

J. G. J. THOMASON

JOSEPH B. LAWRENCE

JOHN THOMAS (Tom) BUTLER

WILLIE A. LAWRENCE

Present clerks are JOHN THOMAS (Tom) BUTLER, Clerk and Willie A. Lawrence, assistant clerk.

The record also shows that the following have served as treasurer:

J. SIMPSON TYSON

JOHN ARNOLD

DANIEL ATKINS

JAMES H. OWEN

No record was found in which much was said about the office of treasurer for many years. The deacons seem to serve as treasurer also. Perhaps one cause for this is that there was never a great amount of finance to be kept on hand or dispersed with. An interesting item to note is the fact that in 1896 a sister was given two dollars to keep the floor swept and the house in order for a period of twelve months. Also, 75 cents, the smallest amount given for association purposes, was sent to the association in 1856; this amount was increased to seven dollars in 1868.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WAS ADDED AT A LATER DATE BY THELMA TUCKER.

In 1956 and 1957 the church building was remodeled by lowering walls and new roof was put on. New windows and a small porch was added in front. Asbestos shingles were used on the exterior of the building and the total cost for the complete job was $1683.37.

On December 27,1959, Elder Thomas Tolley resigned as pastor after serving since May 1953. We had a different minister for a few months then called Elder James. S. Read on March 1, 1961 to serve as pastor and he served until May 22,1976.

On June 2, 1976 the church called Elder Marty Allen to serve as pastor- -he served one year--then the church called Elder Frank Buttrey on March 1979, he is 20 years old, ordained June 2,1979.

Hardwood floors were installed December 1962, pews were installed in 1963, gas was installed in 1963, carpet and storm doors were also installed in 1963. In October, 1975 the church contracted to have two restrooms built and other repairs done to the church building. It was later agreed to have the building bricked on the outside. Work was finished in January 1976 and paid in full at a cost of $7385.43.

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