On Sunday, October 21, 2018, Union Baptist Church will be celebrating 150 years with a Homecoming service at 10:00 a.m., followed by a fellowship meal and a time for sharing memories and reconnecting with former members.
The Rev. Jimmy Jackson, pastor emeritus, Whitesburg Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker. (Bro. Jackson was pastor at Union during the 100th anniversary.)
According to church history, Union Baptist Church was organized in late 1868. The organizational meeting was composed of J. A. & Exer Deakle, John & Dora Ann Fields, Almanza & Jane Fort, and Noel & Sarah Turner.
Most of the details of the organization have been erased by time. It is known that all four couples were baptized by Rev. Charlie Lang into the fellowship of Union Baptist Church. Mr. J. A. Deakle and Mr. John Fields were elected the first two deacons of the church. From that initial organizational meeting resulted in the first Baptist church in Mobile County to remain in the same general location throughout its entire history. Sometime between 1870 and 1886 the first Sunday School was organized.
Union Baptist Church and its community have come a long way in 150 years. We have gone from a one-room log building; through two wood-frame church buildings damaged by two separate hurricanes; to a classic brick sanctuary dedicated in 1927; pastorium purchases; building additions and renovations; and finally the dedication in 2000 of the Christian Life Center. In 2005, a note burning ceremony was held to celebrate the CLC debt being paid in full.
Many have served Union Baptist Church throughout its 150 years – discerning, faithful servants who have provided a lasting influence in church service and history.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:4-5)
