UNION
HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH
HISTORY
In the early 1900’s the old Union Hope School building was used as a Sunday School for the community. This building was the hub of the community as children learned to read and write during the week and learned about spiritual matters on Sunday. In 1913 the one room school house was moved away to the area of which is now Norma Denton’s house. This was done to make way for a modern two room school house on the same parcel of land. This school house was built by the faithful hands of the men of the community. According to the spiritual to the written record dated 1913 of Mr. Joshua Massey, father of Marvin, Walter, Paul, Otha, Tommy, Lemmie, Annie, and Ira, the building was completed in the spring of 1924. In 1924the East room was built onto the Union Hope School House to accommodate the increasing number of school children as well as children for Sunday School. It was said of one of the school children that each had a responsibility to bring certain items of food to be cooked for lunch on the stove that was also used to heat the building. The records of Mr. Joshua Massey reveal that many hours of free labor was given as well as board feet of timber and other necessary items. According to the record, the hourly wage was 20 cents per hour. Nails were bought for 3 cents per pound and timber was $5.00 per thousand feet. The school was continued here at Union Hope until 1936 when further consolidation saw the Ferrells School come into being and children were transferred there for their education. The Union Hope School House was purchased in 1936 from the County by members of the community for $75.00. Mr. L.C. “Privette” Strickland was one of the leaders in the land and building purchase. On Sunday afternoon August 23, 1936 according to previous announcements and unanimous consent of those interested members of various Baptist churches nearby met at the Union Hope School House on route #2, Middlesex, NC, for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church. The advisory council was composed of the following pastors: A.D. Parrish and Theo B. Davis, Deacons A. C. Dawson, P.F. Massey of the Zebulon Baptist Church and J.R. Chamblee of Samaria Baptist Church. The council organized by electing Theo B. Davis, Moderator and A.C. Dawson, secretary. The council then unanimously agreed to proceed with the organization. The names of those desiring to be enrolled as charter member were called for and the following offered themselves for the membership by letter or signature:
L.C Strickland Ruby Batchelor Julia Brantley
M.C Brewer Flossie Murray W.B Brantley
Loyd Brantley Mrs. Paul Massey Mrs. S.E Murray
Addie Strickland Phoebe Brantley Leamon Brantley
J.J Murray Mrs. W.B Brantley Vincent Murray
Mrs. B.A Brantley Marvin Massey Ruth Stallings
Armie Gay Fannie Brantley Mrs. Leamon Brantley
Mrs. Mamie Murray Ola Stallings B.A Brantley
Archie Brantley
The moderator read and commented on the Church Covenant and also stated that the articles of faith were similar to those of other Baptist Churches and consistent and in accord with the teachings of the scriptures. It was agreed that each person offering himself for charter membership must be either a member of a Baptist Church in good standing, have his letter or be a scripturally baptized believer walking orderly and each person so offering himself for membership must sign the church covenant and articles of faith to become a member. On motion and unanimous vote “Union Hope Baptist Church” was selected as the name of the organization.
The following people were elected: Mr. L.C Strickland elected and ordained a deacon, Leamon Brantley elected clerk, and Marvin Massey elected treasurer. Services were held each third Sunday afternoon in each month.
On September 20, 1936, Rev. Theo Davis was asked to preach and a collection of $2.58 was taken and given to Rev. Davis. On December 20, 1936, Rev. Theo B. Davis was elected the first pastor of Union Hope Baptist Church. The first recorded offering to state missions was on March 21, 1937 when $1.14 was collected for this purpose. The first recorded offering or foreign missions was on April 18, 1937 when $2.50 was collected for this purpose.
The first revival was held the second week in July 1937 with services at 3 PM and 8 PM daily. The visiting preacher was Bro. Newman. The first baptismal service was held at Driver’s Pond on July 25, 1937. A total of 27 people were baptized and were received into the church. From 1937 through 1940 Bro. Theo B. Davis served as pastor and members were added monthly by baptism and letters. On December 5, 1940 Bro. Davis resigned as pastor and a committee consisting of L.C Strickland, J.J Murray and Leamon Brantley were elected to call a Pastor. On October 9, 1941 the church extended the call to Rev. J.N Stancil of Wendell, NC. Rev. J.N Stancil served as pastor and many were added by baptism and letter. On October 2, 1943, Rev. Stancil tendered his resignation but on January 2, 1944, the church voted 22to 5 against accepting his resignation, so on February 4, 1944 Rev. Stancil agreed to continue as pastor.
From its beginning in 11936 the church held meetings once a month either on the first or the third Sunday of the month. On September 26, 1948 the church voted to have services two times each month. By 1949 the church had had grown from 26 charter members to 186 members. On October 6, 1949, tragedy struck our church when 6 of our young people perished 6 of our young people perished in a school bus accident and many others were injured. On December 11, 1949, the heirs of Mr. and Mrs. B.A Brantley gave a piece of land to be used as a cemetery.
On May 20, 1951 the following deacons were ordained: Mr. Marvin Massey, Charlie Debnam and Walter Trevathan. Rev. Stancil served as pastor from October 9, 1941 to September 1951. Rev. Dale Davis from Wendell, NC was called as pastor effective October 7, 1951 and services were scheduled for the second and fourth Sunday each month.
On February 12, 1952 the church appointed a building committee to supervise the construction of two classrooms onto the existing church. On January 3, 1953 the church elected a committee of L.C Strickland, Bervis Whitley, Robert Debnam, Marvin Massey, Lloyd Brantley, Ralph Bryant, Mr. Lloyd Brantley, Mrs. R.B Batchelor and Mrs. Ralph Bryant to purchase new seats for the church to replace the theater type seats that were in the church.
On January 10, 1954, Leroy Trevathan was licensed into the Gospel Ministry, being the first member o Union Hope Baptist Church to enter full time ministry. On July 25, 1954 Rev. Dale Davis resigned as pastor of the church. On November 14, 1954 the church voted unanimously to call Rev. Roy J. Smith as pastor. With the calling of Rev. Roy J. Smith and wife Doris, the church started holding services each Sunday morning and Wednesday night prayer meeting. Simultaneously, other organizations were started in the church, such as BTU, WMU, Brotherhood, RA’s, and Boy Scouts. On April 14, 1955, the church voted to build a parsonage near the church and $3,000.00 was borrowed from the Zebulon Bank to finish building the parsonage. On June 9, 1955, three deacons were elected: Robert Debnam, Leroy Trevathan, and LeRoy Hopkins and they were ordained on July 10, 1955.
Rev. Roy J. Smith tendered his resignation effective February 1, 1957. April 9, 1957 the church extended the call to Rev. James Groce Robinson and wife, Lucille, from Canton, NC. During the Robinson tenure as pastor, the attendance grew to a point that the church rented a small house adjacent to the church to be used as classroom space. Rev. Robinson resigned in November 1958 to accept the pastorate at Old Fort, NC. In December 1958, the church called Rev. Carroll Allan Veatch and wife, Helen, from Georgia who was a student at the Seminary. It was under Rev. Veatch’s leadership that the church moved forward and constructed the Educational Building behind the Sanctuary. Rev.Veatch resigned in September 1962 and later was appointed missionary to the Bahamas. On November 25, 1962 the church called Rev. Water H. Mayes as pastor.
The ordination service for Rev. Jackie Bryant was held on April 28, 1963. Jackie is the second young man from our community to enter the full-time ministry. Rev. Mayes resigned as pastor in September 1964. In November of 1964 the church extended a call to Joe Wesley Chandler and wife, Betty. Rev. Chandler resigned June 16, 1968 to become pastor of First Baptist Church, Roan Mountain, Tennessee. In August 1968, the church extended the call to Rev. Kenneth Childers of Statesville, NC to serve as pastor. Rev. Childers was unmarried at the time but later married to Sarah.
On December 1, 1968 Rev. Patrick Corbett was ordained into the ministry by the church. He was the third young man to be ordained from our community. Rev. Steward A. Smith and wife, Cathy, was called as pastor in May 1971 and served until August 1971. On September 1, 1971, the church extended the call to Rev. Larry Vickery and wife, Lillian, from Seneca, South Carolina. Also, on September 1, 1971, the old frame church was taken down to make way for a new sanctuary. While the new sanctuary was being built, the church held its worship services in the basement of the Educational Building. It was very crowded but we had some of the best services in these crowded conditions that we have ever had. The construction actually started about December 1, 1971 and was completed on May 5, 1972. Nearing the completion of the sanctuary the church asked Mrs. James (Jennifer) Brantley, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Grady W. Thompson to do the Baptistry painting. Ginger, an artist in her own right, spent many tedious hours of time and expense painting the scene. The painting was competed in time for the first service. The church held its first services in the new sanctuary on Mothers’ Day, May 14, 1972. The first funeral in the new sanctuary was for Mr. Gregg Massey, son of Vernon and Shelby Massey.
The following people were the first to be baptized in the new sanctuary:
Beverly Brantley Michael Bunn Gordon Driver
Janice Driver Melia Driver Rhonda Massey
Linda Massey Melanie Massey Tracy Parrish
Walter Phillips James (Ken) Phillips Jill Phillips
Gail Phillips Jeff Ray Robbie Ray
Mark Strickland Jeffery Strickland Linda Jo Strickland
Jill Thompson Blake Stallings Christi Williams
Gary Wilson
The first wedding was held on June 25, 1972 when Miss Annette Debnam and Elliott Jones were united in marriage. The first revival was held form June 25-30, 1972. The visiting Evangelist was Rev. Honea from Liberty, SC. During this week, the Lord poured out a blessing on the Church Community and many souls were saved and numerous persons rededicated their lives anew to Christ. The church held dedication services on Sunday July 2, 1972. The guest speaker was Reverend Roy J. Smith who was the first full-time pastor the church had. Sister churches and former members were invited to attend and lunch was spread out for all to enjoy. An afternoon of singing by various groups was enjoyed by all.
The members of the Building Committee were Larry Strickland, Chm, Everette Wilson, Willard Strickland, Gene A. Parrish, Marvin Massey, Robert Debnam, Robert Stallings, Jr and Melvalene Strickland. Now for the basic sanctuary was completed, but the task was at hard – paying off the debt of $18,500. The membership again rose to the occasion. In November 1972, $5,500 was paid to People Bank & Trust Company. In April, the first of ten annual payments were made to Baptist State Convention in the amount of $750 plus interest. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Massey donated a lighted Cross for the front of the church in memory of their daughter Judy who was killed in a school bus accident in 1949.
We needed a steeple! The Young Peoples Class directed by Deborah Debnam started raising money and when they reached $900 a steeple was ordered. The total cost of the steeple installed was $1,350 and was erected in November 1973. The balance of $5,500 was paid to People Bank to retire this part of the debt. The church debt was reduced to $6,750. Willard Strickland and Marvin Massey worked hard to get a (marquee) sign built to bear the name of the Church.
Various donations were assembled and the components were purchased to put in the Chimes System. Otha Massey made the base for the speakers and Larry Strickland and Larry Vickery installed the chimes and they were played first on Thanksgiving Day 1973.
Rev. Larry Vickery resigned as pastor effective January 27, 1974 to accept the pastorate of Corinth Baptist Church in Central, SC. A pulpit committee was elected Ralph Bryant, Marvin Massey, Grady Thompson, Charles Creech and Larry Strickland to seek a pastor to fill the vacancy. The Building committee left enough room under the sanctuary for a basement and the men set out to dig out enough dirt to make a nice basement and connect this to the existing basement in the Educational Building.
On February 17, 1974, the church voted 81 to 7 to extend the call to Rev. William Rex Bell. He is a native of Statesville, NC and assumed his duties and moved into the field effective March 3, 1974. On March 24, 1974, Rev. William Rex Bell was ordained into the Gospel ministry. Assisting in the service was Rev. John Booth, Leslie Parrish and Rev. Andy Moon. Gene Parrish, Chairman of Deacons presented Rev. Bell with a Bible on behalf of the church membership. On March 19, 1974, someone or a group scaled to the top of the sanctuary and stole three speakers, this interrupting the chime system.
In August one of the young men of our community lost his life near Paz, Bolivia in a plane crash. He was Captain Jimmy Tant, United States Air Force and Son of Mrs. Violet Tant.
In September 1974, the new basement was completed by Jones and Jones Contractors. In addition to completing the new basement, the old basement was completed to compliment the entire area. In September 1974, the Young Adult Class culminated a long and determined effort. They had been working hard for an Organ and the organ was installed and played for the first time on September 7, 1974.
The Annual Fall Tar River Baptist Associational meeting was held at Union Hope Baptist Church October 16, 1974. This was the first such meeting to be held at this church in its history. The delegates were Clifton Brantley, Ralph Bryant, and Robert Debnam with alternates being Phoebe Baines and Grady Thompson. Assisting in this Associational meeting were Rocky Cross and Social Plains Baptist Churches.
On November 10, 1974, the Jimmy Tant Memorial Fund was established. This fund was set up as result of Mrs. Violet Tant’s request that all donations in memory of Jimmy be given to the Church. Stemming from this request, the donations were used to help in final payments for the new basement. The new basement was named the James R. Tant Fellowship Hall and on April 13, 1975 his picture and a plaque were placed in his memory. The Middlesex High School Class of 1961 gave an inscribed silver urn in his memory.
The Union Hope Baptist Church Constitution and Bylaws were read, discussed and adopted October 19, 1975. The committee set up to develop these guidelines was Mrs. Bertha Brantley, Mrs. Annie Sevelia Brantley, Gene Parrish, Ralph Bryant, Larry Strickland, and Rev. Rex Bell, Ex- Officio.
Rev. William Rex Bell tendered his resignation effective December 28, 1975. On February 29, 1976 the church extended the call to Rev. Gary Rickman and wife Joyce from Waterboro, Tennessee.
The church sponsored its first church bazaar “Super Saturday” in November 1977. A net amount of $3,000 was made the building fund debt was paid off and a note burning service was held in May 1978.
Rev. Gary Rickman resigned in September 1978 after accepting a pastorate in Tennessee. Rev. Timothy Racz and wife Kathy was extended a call on December 1, 1978.
In February 1979, the church voted to build an addition to the parsonage (two bedrooms, bath, and study), minor renovations to the existing kitchen and living room. The church held its second bazaar in November 1979 and a net amount of $5,500 was made.
Rev. Tim Racz resigned in May 1981 and Rev. Bob Watson was called an Interim Pastor. He remained as Interim until November 1981, at which time the church voted to call a full-time pastor – a first for Union Hope Baptist Church. All previous pastors had been part-time or student pastors. Rev Frank Hollifield of Ahoski was called as the first full-time pastor on November 29, 1981, and began his pastorate on January 1, 1982.
A note burning ceremony was held on the parsonage grounds on January 24, 1982. This signified the retirement of the debt for the parsonage addition.
A church tape ministry for shut-ins was begun in March 1982. An Ordination Service was held in October 1982 for Blake Stallings and Robbie Price. Rev. from Harris Chapel was in attendance to make the charge to the church. A third Super Saturday Bazaar was held in November 1982 and netted a total of $8,000.
The church purchased an additional acre of land adjacent to the church property in 1983 from Allen Murray for a cost of $3,500. Rudy Brantley was ordained deacon in September 1983.
The Fall Meeting of the Tar River Baptist Association was hosted by Union Hope and Social Plains at Union Hope on October 15, 1984. The church purchased two 4-ton air conditioners as replacement for the old one for approximately $4,000 in May 1985.
In September 1986 a sheltered picnic area was built adjacent to the church and parsonage. On September 28, 1986 Union Hope Baptist Church observed its 50th Anniversary with a Service Celebration, lunch in the Fellowship Hall and an afternoon of singing. The afternoon event was highlighted with a slide presentation of historical events during the past 50 years. The celebration was enjoyed by many members, former members and pastors.
Additional land adjacent to the church was available to the church by Leroy and Hazel Hopkins. The church purchased 1.14 acres for a total cost of $6,201.55.
In April 1987 Rev. Hollifield announced he would be retiring in June 1987. A Pastor Search Committee was appointed which consisted of Annie Sevelia Brantley, Joan Creech, Robbie Price, Elton Tant, and Richard Joyner. Rev. Hollifield retired from the ministry on June 28, 1987. A Retirement Service was held in his honor. The church called Rev. Harvey Coppedge as Interim Pastor on July 19, 1987. During the same year there were improvement renovations made to the parsonage totaling approximately $4,000. The church held two fund raising projects (suppers) to retire the debt.
The old church bell, which originally hung in the first church building and had been placed on a foundation outside the new church, was stolen from its site in February 1988. A unidentified person donated a new bell to replace it.
Rev. Mark Tilley of Harkers Island, NC preached a trial sermon on February 28, 1988 and the church voted unanimously to extend the call to him and his wife Candi.
In May 1988 the church elected a Renovations Committee: Ricky Brantley, Kerry Brantley, Rudy Brantley, Ray Brantley, Dorothy Price, Kay Tant, and Melvalene Strickland. They were assigned the responsibility of evaluating the need for church expansion and renovations. They submitted their proposal to the church on October 16, 1988 which was approved by the church at an approximate cost of $50,000. The construction/renovation was contracted by Jones and Falk Construction Co. A dedication Service was held in August 1989 during the Morning Worship Service with lunch following in the Fellowship Hall.
During 1989 Jo Ann Massey Murray was stricken with cancer. The church established an ongoing fun in order for all donations to be processed through the church. A song service was held featuring The Kings’ Messengers with a love offering/donations going to the fund.
In August 1991 the Building Fund Debit of $3,615.95 was paid off. On May 19, 1991 during the Sunday Morning Worship Service a Note Burning Ceremony was held to celebrate and praise the Lord for retirement of the Building Fund debt.
On May 26, 1991 the church voted and approved a change in the Church Constitution and Bylaws Article VII, Section 1.C, Item 2, changing the present Guidelines for Implementing the Deacon Rotation Plan.
The church purchased new hymnals in August 1991. Partial funding form donations in memory of Lottie Murray and Phoebe Baines. During Bible School in August 1991 the youth collected historical information, pictures, and other interest items to be placed in a time capsule. The capsule was buried on the church property on September 2, 1991. These young people agreed to meet in 20 years, 2011, to uncover and open the time capsule.
On February 1, 1992, the church voted on and approved a change in the Church Constitution and Bylaws, Article VII, Section 1.C, Item 4, implementing the Deacon Rotating Plan. In February, 1992, twenty-five new choir robes were purchased.
On October 11, 1992, three new deacons were ordain at an ordination service held with Rev. Marc Tilley making the charge to the Deacons and to the Church. Those men ordained were Ray Brantley, Kerry Brantley, and Charlie Morgan.
During a Sunday Morning Business Meeting on February 21, 1993, it was voted and approved to grant permission to Rev. Tilley to pursue a doctorate degree at Southeastern Baptist Seminar which would require 2 to 2 1/2 years.
Upon the recommendation of the house and Grounds Committee, in May 1993, the church and parsonage was reshingled, along with minor repairs which required removal of the steeple for the reshingled process and painting. The cost was approximately $8,500.
On July 17, 1994, during a Sunday Morning Business Meeting, as a result of a recommendation by the WMU to check into the possibility of securing a Youth Minister, it was voted and approved to select a fact-finding committee to gather information on securing a part-time Youth Minister. Those committee members were Richard Joyner, Joan Creech, Wanda Privette, Helen Denton, and Donna Bissette.
On September 19, 1994, at the Sunday Morning Annual Business Meeting, it was approved to have the Church parking lot and driveway paved at a cost of approximately $20,000. Also, during this meeting, Ellen Williams, was voted as Sunday School Superintendent, which was a first time in history of Union Hope Baptist Church that a woman was voted into this position.
On September 17, 1995, at the Sunday Morning Annual Business Meeting, it was recommended and approved that the Church Constitution and Bylaws, Article VII, Section 1.C, Item 6, be changed.
Rev. Marc Tilley rendered his resignation on March 3, 1996, after accepting another pastorate with Trinity Baptist Church in Tarboro, NC.
A pastor Search Committee was nominated from the floor at a Sunday Morning Business Meeting on April 14, 1996. Those committee members were: Ray Brantley, Charles Creech, Leroy Trevathan, and Bessie Strickland.
On April 21, 1996, Sunday Morning Business Meeting, it was recommended, voted on, and approved that Rev. Jack Rose, (who had been Interim Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church) be called by Union Hope Baptist Church to become Interim Pastor during the search period for a new pastor.
The parsonage was painted, new carpet installed and other minor renovations were made in May 1996 in preparation of a new pastor.
After much prayer and diligent work, and interviews, the Pastor Search Committee made the decision to have Rev. Mark Palmer of the Duncan Baptist Church, Holly Springs, NC, preach a trial sermon. On September 1, 1996, Rev. Mark Palmer, his wife, Joanna, and daughter Rachel, visited the church and Rev. Palmer preached a trial sermon to the congregation. The church voted by secret ballot, which was almost unanimous, to call Rev. Palmer as a full-time pastor. He accepted. He will begin his ministry at Union Hope Baptist Church on the first Sunday in October 1996.
Note; We are currently gathering the information to make updates on the church history from 1996-present.
HISTORY
In the early 1900’s the old Union Hope School building was used as a Sunday School for the community. This building was the hub of the community as children learned to read and write during the week and learned about spiritual matters on Sunday. In 1913 the one room school house was moved away to the area of which is now Norma Denton’s house. This was done to make way for a modern two room school house on the same parcel of land. This school house was built by the faithful hands of the men of the community. According to the spiritual to the written record dated 1913 of Mr. Joshua Massey, father of Marvin, Walter, Paul, Otha, Tommy, Lemmie, Annie, and Ira, the building was completed in the spring of 1924. In 1924the East room was built onto the Union Hope School House to accommodate the increasing number of school children as well as children for Sunday School. It was said of one of the school children that each had a responsibility to bring certain items of food to be cooked for lunch on the stove that was also used to heat the building. The records of Mr. Joshua Massey reveal that many hours of free labor was given as well as board feet of timber and other necessary items. According to the record, the hourly wage was 20 cents per hour. Nails were bought for 3 cents per pound and timber was $5.00 per thousand feet. The school was continued here at Union Hope until 1936 when further consolidation saw the Ferrells School come into being and children were transferred there for their education. The Union Hope School House was purchased in 1936 from the County by members of the community for $75.00. Mr. L.C. “Privette” Strickland was one of the leaders in the land and building purchase. On Sunday afternoon August 23, 1936 according to previous announcements and unanimous consent of those interested members of various Baptist churches nearby met at the Union Hope School House on route #2, Middlesex, NC, for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church. The advisory council was composed of the following pastors: A.D. Parrish and Theo B. Davis, Deacons A. C. Dawson, P.F. Massey of the Zebulon Baptist Church and J.R. Chamblee of Samaria Baptist Church. The council organized by electing Theo B. Davis, Moderator and A.C. Dawson, secretary. The council then unanimously agreed to proceed with the organization. The names of those desiring to be enrolled as charter member were called for and the following offered themselves for the membership by letter or signature:
L.C Strickland Ruby Batchelor Julia Brantley
M.C Brewer Flossie Murray W.B Brantley
Loyd Brantley Mrs. Paul Massey Mrs. S.E Murray
Addie Strickland Phoebe Brantley Leamon Brantley
J.J Murray Mrs. W.B Brantley Vincent Murray
Mrs. B.A Brantley Marvin Massey Ruth Stallings
Armie Gay Fannie Brantley Mrs. Leamon Brantley
Mrs. Mamie Murray Ola Stallings B.A Brantley
Archie Brantley
The moderator read and commented on the Church Covenant and also stated that the articles of faith were similar to those of other Baptist Churches and consistent and in accord with the teachings of the scriptures. It was agreed that each person offering himself for charter membership must be either a member of a Baptist Church in good standing, have his letter or be a scripturally baptized believer walking orderly and each person so offering himself for membership must sign the church covenant and articles of faith to become a member. On motion and unanimous vote “Union Hope Baptist Church” was selected as the name of the organization.
The following people were elected: Mr. L.C Strickland elected and ordained a deacon, Leamon Brantley elected clerk, and Marvin Massey elected treasurer. Services were held each third Sunday afternoon in each month.
On September 20, 1936, Rev. Theo Davis was asked to preach and a collection of $2.58 was taken and given to Rev. Davis. On December 20, 1936, Rev. Theo B. Davis was elected the first pastor of Union Hope Baptist Church. The first recorded offering to state missions was on March 21, 1937 when $1.14 was collected for this purpose. The first recorded offering or foreign missions was on April 18, 1937 when $2.50 was collected for this purpose.
The first revival was held the second week in July 1937 with services at 3 PM and 8 PM daily. The visiting preacher was Bro. Newman. The first baptismal service was held at Driver’s Pond on July 25, 1937. A total of 27 people were baptized and were received into the church. From 1937 through 1940 Bro. Theo B. Davis served as pastor and members were added monthly by baptism and letters. On December 5, 1940 Bro. Davis resigned as pastor and a committee consisting of L.C Strickland, J.J Murray and Leamon Brantley were elected to call a Pastor. On October 9, 1941 the church extended the call to Rev. J.N Stancil of Wendell, NC. Rev. J.N Stancil served as pastor and many were added by baptism and letter. On October 2, 1943, Rev. Stancil tendered his resignation but on January 2, 1944, the church voted 22to 5 against accepting his resignation, so on February 4, 1944 Rev. Stancil agreed to continue as pastor.
From its beginning in 11936 the church held meetings once a month either on the first or the third Sunday of the month. On September 26, 1948 the church voted to have services two times each month. By 1949 the church had had grown from 26 charter members to 186 members. On October 6, 1949, tragedy struck our church when 6 of our young people perished 6 of our young people perished in a school bus accident and many others were injured. On December 11, 1949, the heirs of Mr. and Mrs. B.A Brantley gave a piece of land to be used as a cemetery.
On May 20, 1951 the following deacons were ordained: Mr. Marvin Massey, Charlie Debnam and Walter Trevathan. Rev. Stancil served as pastor from October 9, 1941 to September 1951. Rev. Dale Davis from Wendell, NC was called as pastor effective October 7, 1951 and services were scheduled for the second and fourth Sunday each month.
On February 12, 1952 the church appointed a building committee to supervise the construction of two classrooms onto the existing church. On January 3, 1953 the church elected a committee of L.C Strickland, Bervis Whitley, Robert Debnam, Marvin Massey, Lloyd Brantley, Ralph Bryant, Mr. Lloyd Brantley, Mrs. R.B Batchelor and Mrs. Ralph Bryant to purchase new seats for the church to replace the theater type seats that were in the church.
On January 10, 1954, Leroy Trevathan was licensed into the Gospel Ministry, being the first member o Union Hope Baptist Church to enter full time ministry. On July 25, 1954 Rev. Dale Davis resigned as pastor of the church. On November 14, 1954 the church voted unanimously to call Rev. Roy J. Smith as pastor. With the calling of Rev. Roy J. Smith and wife Doris, the church started holding services each Sunday morning and Wednesday night prayer meeting. Simultaneously, other organizations were started in the church, such as BTU, WMU, Brotherhood, RA’s, and Boy Scouts. On April 14, 1955, the church voted to build a parsonage near the church and $3,000.00 was borrowed from the Zebulon Bank to finish building the parsonage. On June 9, 1955, three deacons were elected: Robert Debnam, Leroy Trevathan, and LeRoy Hopkins and they were ordained on July 10, 1955.
Rev. Roy J. Smith tendered his resignation effective February 1, 1957. April 9, 1957 the church extended the call to Rev. James Groce Robinson and wife, Lucille, from Canton, NC. During the Robinson tenure as pastor, the attendance grew to a point that the church rented a small house adjacent to the church to be used as classroom space. Rev. Robinson resigned in November 1958 to accept the pastorate at Old Fort, NC. In December 1958, the church called Rev. Carroll Allan Veatch and wife, Helen, from Georgia who was a student at the Seminary. It was under Rev. Veatch’s leadership that the church moved forward and constructed the Educational Building behind the Sanctuary. Rev.Veatch resigned in September 1962 and later was appointed missionary to the Bahamas. On November 25, 1962 the church called Rev. Water H. Mayes as pastor.
The ordination service for Rev. Jackie Bryant was held on April 28, 1963. Jackie is the second young man from our community to enter the full-time ministry. Rev. Mayes resigned as pastor in September 1964. In November of 1964 the church extended a call to Joe Wesley Chandler and wife, Betty. Rev. Chandler resigned June 16, 1968 to become pastor of First Baptist Church, Roan Mountain, Tennessee. In August 1968, the church extended the call to Rev. Kenneth Childers of Statesville, NC to serve as pastor. Rev. Childers was unmarried at the time but later married to Sarah.
On December 1, 1968 Rev. Patrick Corbett was ordained into the ministry by the church. He was the third young man to be ordained from our community. Rev. Steward A. Smith and wife, Cathy, was called as pastor in May 1971 and served until August 1971. On September 1, 1971, the church extended the call to Rev. Larry Vickery and wife, Lillian, from Seneca, South Carolina. Also, on September 1, 1971, the old frame church was taken down to make way for a new sanctuary. While the new sanctuary was being built, the church held its worship services in the basement of the Educational Building. It was very crowded but we had some of the best services in these crowded conditions that we have ever had. The construction actually started about December 1, 1971 and was completed on May 5, 1972. Nearing the completion of the sanctuary the church asked Mrs. James (Jennifer) Brantley, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Grady W. Thompson to do the Baptistry painting. Ginger, an artist in her own right, spent many tedious hours of time and expense painting the scene. The painting was competed in time for the first service. The church held its first services in the new sanctuary on Mothers’ Day, May 14, 1972. The first funeral in the new sanctuary was for Mr. Gregg Massey, son of Vernon and Shelby Massey.
The following people were the first to be baptized in the new sanctuary:
Beverly Brantley Michael Bunn Gordon Driver
Janice Driver Melia Driver Rhonda Massey
Linda Massey Melanie Massey Tracy Parrish
Walter Phillips James (Ken) Phillips Jill Phillips
Gail Phillips Jeff Ray Robbie Ray
Mark Strickland Jeffery Strickland Linda Jo Strickland
Jill Thompson Blake Stallings Christi Williams
Gary Wilson
The first wedding was held on June 25, 1972 when Miss Annette Debnam and Elliott Jones were united in marriage. The first revival was held form June 25-30, 1972. The visiting Evangelist was Rev. Honea from Liberty, SC. During this week, the Lord poured out a blessing on the Church Community and many souls were saved and numerous persons rededicated their lives anew to Christ. The church held dedication services on Sunday July 2, 1972. The guest speaker was Reverend Roy J. Smith who was the first full-time pastor the church had. Sister churches and former members were invited to attend and lunch was spread out for all to enjoy. An afternoon of singing by various groups was enjoyed by all.
The members of the Building Committee were Larry Strickland, Chm, Everette Wilson, Willard Strickland, Gene A. Parrish, Marvin Massey, Robert Debnam, Robert Stallings, Jr and Melvalene Strickland. Now for the basic sanctuary was completed, but the task was at hard – paying off the debt of $18,500. The membership again rose to the occasion. In November 1972, $5,500 was paid to People Bank & Trust Company. In April, the first of ten annual payments were made to Baptist State Convention in the amount of $750 plus interest. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Massey donated a lighted Cross for the front of the church in memory of their daughter Judy who was killed in a school bus accident in 1949.
We needed a steeple! The Young Peoples Class directed by Deborah Debnam started raising money and when they reached $900 a steeple was ordered. The total cost of the steeple installed was $1,350 and was erected in November 1973. The balance of $5,500 was paid to People Bank to retire this part of the debt. The church debt was reduced to $6,750. Willard Strickland and Marvin Massey worked hard to get a (marquee) sign built to bear the name of the Church.
Various donations were assembled and the components were purchased to put in the Chimes System. Otha Massey made the base for the speakers and Larry Strickland and Larry Vickery installed the chimes and they were played first on Thanksgiving Day 1973.
Rev. Larry Vickery resigned as pastor effective January 27, 1974 to accept the pastorate of Corinth Baptist Church in Central, SC. A pulpit committee was elected Ralph Bryant, Marvin Massey, Grady Thompson, Charles Creech and Larry Strickland to seek a pastor to fill the vacancy. The Building committee left enough room under the sanctuary for a basement and the men set out to dig out enough dirt to make a nice basement and connect this to the existing basement in the Educational Building.
On February 17, 1974, the church voted 81 to 7 to extend the call to Rev. William Rex Bell. He is a native of Statesville, NC and assumed his duties and moved into the field effective March 3, 1974. On March 24, 1974, Rev. William Rex Bell was ordained into the Gospel ministry. Assisting in the service was Rev. John Booth, Leslie Parrish and Rev. Andy Moon. Gene Parrish, Chairman of Deacons presented Rev. Bell with a Bible on behalf of the church membership. On March 19, 1974, someone or a group scaled to the top of the sanctuary and stole three speakers, this interrupting the chime system.
In August one of the young men of our community lost his life near Paz, Bolivia in a plane crash. He was Captain Jimmy Tant, United States Air Force and Son of Mrs. Violet Tant.
In September 1974, the new basement was completed by Jones and Jones Contractors. In addition to completing the new basement, the old basement was completed to compliment the entire area. In September 1974, the Young Adult Class culminated a long and determined effort. They had been working hard for an Organ and the organ was installed and played for the first time on September 7, 1974.
The Annual Fall Tar River Baptist Associational meeting was held at Union Hope Baptist Church October 16, 1974. This was the first such meeting to be held at this church in its history. The delegates were Clifton Brantley, Ralph Bryant, and Robert Debnam with alternates being Phoebe Baines and Grady Thompson. Assisting in this Associational meeting were Rocky Cross and Social Plains Baptist Churches.
On November 10, 1974, the Jimmy Tant Memorial Fund was established. This fund was set up as result of Mrs. Violet Tant’s request that all donations in memory of Jimmy be given to the Church. Stemming from this request, the donations were used to help in final payments for the new basement. The new basement was named the James R. Tant Fellowship Hall and on April 13, 1975 his picture and a plaque were placed in his memory. The Middlesex High School Class of 1961 gave an inscribed silver urn in his memory.
The Union Hope Baptist Church Constitution and Bylaws were read, discussed and adopted October 19, 1975. The committee set up to develop these guidelines was Mrs. Bertha Brantley, Mrs. Annie Sevelia Brantley, Gene Parrish, Ralph Bryant, Larry Strickland, and Rev. Rex Bell, Ex- Officio.
Rev. William Rex Bell tendered his resignation effective December 28, 1975. On February 29, 1976 the church extended the call to Rev. Gary Rickman and wife Joyce from Waterboro, Tennessee.
The church sponsored its first church bazaar “Super Saturday” in November 1977. A net amount of $3,000 was made the building fund debt was paid off and a note burning service was held in May 1978.
Rev. Gary Rickman resigned in September 1978 after accepting a pastorate in Tennessee. Rev. Timothy Racz and wife Kathy was extended a call on December 1, 1978.
In February 1979, the church voted to build an addition to the parsonage (two bedrooms, bath, and study), minor renovations to the existing kitchen and living room. The church held its second bazaar in November 1979 and a net amount of $5,500 was made.
Rev. Tim Racz resigned in May 1981 and Rev. Bob Watson was called an Interim Pastor. He remained as Interim until November 1981, at which time the church voted to call a full-time pastor – a first for Union Hope Baptist Church. All previous pastors had been part-time or student pastors. Rev Frank Hollifield of Ahoski was called as the first full-time pastor on November 29, 1981, and began his pastorate on January 1, 1982.
A note burning ceremony was held on the parsonage grounds on January 24, 1982. This signified the retirement of the debt for the parsonage addition.
A church tape ministry for shut-ins was begun in March 1982. An Ordination Service was held in October 1982 for Blake Stallings and Robbie Price. Rev. from Harris Chapel was in attendance to make the charge to the church. A third Super Saturday Bazaar was held in November 1982 and netted a total of $8,000.
The church purchased an additional acre of land adjacent to the church property in 1983 from Allen Murray for a cost of $3,500. Rudy Brantley was ordained deacon in September 1983.
The Fall Meeting of the Tar River Baptist Association was hosted by Union Hope and Social Plains at Union Hope on October 15, 1984. The church purchased two 4-ton air conditioners as replacement for the old one for approximately $4,000 in May 1985.
In September 1986 a sheltered picnic area was built adjacent to the church and parsonage. On September 28, 1986 Union Hope Baptist Church observed its 50th Anniversary with a Service Celebration, lunch in the Fellowship Hall and an afternoon of singing. The afternoon event was highlighted with a slide presentation of historical events during the past 50 years. The celebration was enjoyed by many members, former members and pastors.
Additional land adjacent to the church was available to the church by Leroy and Hazel Hopkins. The church purchased 1.14 acres for a total cost of $6,201.55.
In April 1987 Rev. Hollifield announced he would be retiring in June 1987. A Pastor Search Committee was appointed which consisted of Annie Sevelia Brantley, Joan Creech, Robbie Price, Elton Tant, and Richard Joyner. Rev. Hollifield retired from the ministry on June 28, 1987. A Retirement Service was held in his honor. The church called Rev. Harvey Coppedge as Interim Pastor on July 19, 1987. During the same year there were improvement renovations made to the parsonage totaling approximately $4,000. The church held two fund raising projects (suppers) to retire the debt.
The old church bell, which originally hung in the first church building and had been placed on a foundation outside the new church, was stolen from its site in February 1988. A unidentified person donated a new bell to replace it.
Rev. Mark Tilley of Harkers Island, NC preached a trial sermon on February 28, 1988 and the church voted unanimously to extend the call to him and his wife Candi.
In May 1988 the church elected a Renovations Committee: Ricky Brantley, Kerry Brantley, Rudy Brantley, Ray Brantley, Dorothy Price, Kay Tant, and Melvalene Strickland. They were assigned the responsibility of evaluating the need for church expansion and renovations. They submitted their proposal to the church on October 16, 1988 which was approved by the church at an approximate cost of $50,000. The construction/renovation was contracted by Jones and Falk Construction Co. A dedication Service was held in August 1989 during the Morning Worship Service with lunch following in the Fellowship Hall.
During 1989 Jo Ann Massey Murray was stricken with cancer. The church established an ongoing fun in order for all donations to be processed through the church. A song service was held featuring The Kings’ Messengers with a love offering/donations going to the fund.
In August 1991 the Building Fund Debit of $3,615.95 was paid off. On May 19, 1991 during the Sunday Morning Worship Service a Note Burning Ceremony was held to celebrate and praise the Lord for retirement of the Building Fund debt.
On May 26, 1991 the church voted and approved a change in the Church Constitution and Bylaws Article VII, Section 1.C, Item 2, changing the present Guidelines for Implementing the Deacon Rotation Plan.
The church purchased new hymnals in August 1991. Partial funding form donations in memory of Lottie Murray and Phoebe Baines. During Bible School in August 1991 the youth collected historical information, pictures, and other interest items to be placed in a time capsule. The capsule was buried on the church property on September 2, 1991. These young people agreed to meet in 20 years, 2011, to uncover and open the time capsule.
On February 1, 1992, the church voted on and approved a change in the Church Constitution and Bylaws, Article VII, Section 1.C, Item 4, implementing the Deacon Rotating Plan. In February, 1992, twenty-five new choir robes were purchased.
On October 11, 1992, three new deacons were ordain at an ordination service held with Rev. Marc Tilley making the charge to the Deacons and to the Church. Those men ordained were Ray Brantley, Kerry Brantley, and Charlie Morgan.
During a Sunday Morning Business Meeting on February 21, 1993, it was voted and approved to grant permission to Rev. Tilley to pursue a doctorate degree at Southeastern Baptist Seminar which would require 2 to 2 1/2 years.
Upon the recommendation of the house and Grounds Committee, in May 1993, the church and parsonage was reshingled, along with minor repairs which required removal of the steeple for the reshingled process and painting. The cost was approximately $8,500.
On July 17, 1994, during a Sunday Morning Business Meeting, as a result of a recommendation by the WMU to check into the possibility of securing a Youth Minister, it was voted and approved to select a fact-finding committee to gather information on securing a part-time Youth Minister. Those committee members were Richard Joyner, Joan Creech, Wanda Privette, Helen Denton, and Donna Bissette.
On September 19, 1994, at the Sunday Morning Annual Business Meeting, it was approved to have the Church parking lot and driveway paved at a cost of approximately $20,000. Also, during this meeting, Ellen Williams, was voted as Sunday School Superintendent, which was a first time in history of Union Hope Baptist Church that a woman was voted into this position.
On September 17, 1995, at the Sunday Morning Annual Business Meeting, it was recommended and approved that the Church Constitution and Bylaws, Article VII, Section 1.C, Item 6, be changed.
Rev. Marc Tilley rendered his resignation on March 3, 1996, after accepting another pastorate with Trinity Baptist Church in Tarboro, NC.
A pastor Search Committee was nominated from the floor at a Sunday Morning Business Meeting on April 14, 1996. Those committee members were: Ray Brantley, Charles Creech, Leroy Trevathan, and Bessie Strickland.
On April 21, 1996, Sunday Morning Business Meeting, it was recommended, voted on, and approved that Rev. Jack Rose, (who had been Interim Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church) be called by Union Hope Baptist Church to become Interim Pastor during the search period for a new pastor.
The parsonage was painted, new carpet installed and other minor renovations were made in May 1996 in preparation of a new pastor.
After much prayer and diligent work, and interviews, the Pastor Search Committee made the decision to have Rev. Mark Palmer of the Duncan Baptist Church, Holly Springs, NC, preach a trial sermon. On September 1, 1996, Rev. Mark Palmer, his wife, Joanna, and daughter Rachel, visited the church and Rev. Palmer preached a trial sermon to the congregation. The church voted by secret ballot, which was almost unanimous, to call Rev. Palmer as a full-time pastor. He accepted. He will begin his ministry at Union Hope Baptist Church on the first Sunday in October 1996.
Note; We are currently gathering the information to make updates on the church history from 1996-present.