Craigsville Liberty Union Mission Church History
The Ministers of the Union Mission Conference had a desire to find a piece of ground and build a Youth Camp. Brother Paul Allen informed them of the property that was for sale on Woodbine Road. The property was purchased and the ground breaking ceremony was held September 10th 1988. Shortly after, the church building was built by donated labor and t
ime. As time passed the Conference realized that the expense to have a Youth Camp was far more than they had anticipated and had agreed together not to carry on with the plans with the camp. In 1989 Reverend Paul Allen was the first to pastor “Craigsville Union Mission”. Then in 1991 Reverend Gerald Hamrick began his pastor’s duties and was there until 1998. Then in 1998 Sam Gray begin the duties as pastor until 2001 that’s when Carl Bradshaw stepped up and began to fulfil the duties. In the meantime in August 2002 Pastor Jerry Hayhurst was ordained into the Conference and was asked by the Bishop Rev. Dennis Estes and the District Superintendent Rev. Gerald Hamrick if he would be interested in building a new “Union Mission” somewhere in the area. After much consideration and prayer Pastor Jerry agreed. On Sunday August25th 2002 the day after the Union Mission Conference ordained Pastor Jerry, a handful of God’s people who had a vision, met that morning in Pastor Jerry’s front yard and began to pray and ask God to help them see their vision come to pass. Everyone was excited and happy to be together. On August 28th 2002, “Liberty Union Mission” was established in a two car garage in Tioga, WV. by a small group of people who had a desire to work for God’s kingdom. They began praying and seeking for a piece of property to purchase. After about a month of worship in the garage and the weather beginning to get colder the congregation decided to move into the “Indian Rock Lodge” located in Craigsville. While there they were offered a stable barn and a couple of acres of land in Cottle, WV. They packed up and moved to the barn, there they spent the winter huddled around kerosene heaters and having Sunday school classes in the stalls of the large stable. Not long after moving into the barn and deciding to purchase the property, God shut the door. Spring came and they continued to worship in the barn and search for and piece of property. Summer approached and still no property, VBS was a great success with an attendance in the 80’s all week. Revivals were blessed and souls were being saved and the congregation growing and yet no doors were being opened for a new piece of ground. Then in the latter part of August 2003 God answered many prayers! The District Superintendent Rev. Gerald Hamrick come to Pastor Jerry and informed him that the “Craigsville Union Mission Church” was not doing well and ask him if he would be interested in combining the two churches. Pastor Jerry brought it before the congregation and all agreed, if, we could keep the name “Liberty”, so in August 2003 “Craigsville Liberty Union Mission Church” was established. And by mid September they moved into the building on Woodbine Road. Twenty years has passed,since that little meeting in Pastor Jerry’s yard and God has accomplished many great works for His kingdom. Souls have been saved, baptisms have been preformed,hearts has been mended, diseases have been healed, burdens have been lifted, marriages have been restored, Preachers and Teachers have been called, many miracles have took place, many revivals have been called, joy has been restored!! Glory and honor and praise to the Lamb of God! We all have a purpose and God has a plan! Thank you Jesus!
