In looking over the past achievements of Uttingertown, we can only think of the goodness of God. It seemed that the people not only talked with God, but beseeched His Divine Guidance. We thank Him for the blessings that has been bestowed upon us. It is necessary for every building to have a foundation. It is equally so for every line whether rooked or straight to be the generation of a moving poin
t. The progress and achievement of this community has generated from the moving point of religious improvement as far back as 1800 a portion of the people met from house to house thanking God for His Divine power and freedom to worship. Others attended the Athens Baptist Church while others met in a house located east of Uttingertown on the Royster Road. They rejoiced in doing so for many years. Later, much of the people designated a place known as the old house, located on the west end of Uttingertown as a central meeting place. Many souls were saved, and many good spiritual meetings were held. In 1877, the members of Uttingertown attended the 2nd Annual Baptist Session held at the Athens Baptist Church. They attended the session every year afterward. June 20, 1879, the Chilesburg Uttingertown Baptist Church was organized by Rev. Several bidders came to bid on building the church. Sterling Coles the lowest builder built the church for $500. Plans were laid for a house of worship and a quaint, frame church with tall slender windows was completed. It was crowned with a bell. This first church was situated on a hill, approximately 1/8th of a mile from where the new edifice now stands. The church was organized with seven charter members: W. Lewis and C.F. Shilock and laymen: William Coleman, C.P. McCann, D.M. Jackson and Ned Cavins. Materials were freighted in by horse and wagon by Mose Winkfield. Members joyously set about the task of erecting the sanctuary. Many of them labored full days. Pews, pulpit and all other fixtures were handmade by skilled craftsmen. Deacons were: W.M. Coleman, C.P. McCann, Dennis M. Jackson, Nathan McCann, Charley toles and Ned Cavens. The church secretary was Ned Cavens. The standing committee was made up of deacons: Mose Winkfield, Johnson H. Hayes, Charlie W. Winfield, Sam Stone, Joe McCann, Henry Winkfield and Sam D. Coleman. Rev. Spencer pastored for many years, for no salary when invited out to other churches to preach. So often on he received only .50cents His favorite scripture which justified him in not preaching for money was: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth no be ashamed, be ye strong, therefore and let not your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Corinthians 15:7. In 1879, the first Sunday School was started. It grew from 3 to 30 members. Collection was from 50cents to 75cents. B.Y.P.U. was first started by Rev. C. Byrd and continued for several years. There were 43 active women and 34 active men. These members believed in prayer. Thursday nights in each month was set aside for prayer service. June 1915, Mr. Mose Winkfield conducted the prayer service. This was the most successful observance of prayer meeting ever witnessed. A collection of over $50 was taken up in collection. Today’s prayer services are held on Wednesday night. In 1902, the Twenty Sixth Annual Baptist Session was held in Uttingertown. A collection of $144.01 was raised by Rev. J. W. Chinn who preached the introductory sermon from Acts 2:6 “Spiritual Emotion Was Needed in The Church.”
Each year the church grew by taking in 10-12 members during each revival. The Fifth Anniversary of Chilesburg Uttingertown Baptist Church began on June 20, 1909 and closed June 27. In 1910, the name of Chilesburg Baptist Church was changed to Uttingertown Baptist Church, in recognition of Mr. Sam Uttinger, under the spiritual guidance of Rev. S. Henderson.
1912, Rev. Henderson was succeeded in the ministry by Rev. Thomas H. Smith, who organized our first choir. July 22, 1915, the 30th Annual Baptist Session was held at the Uttingertown Church. The Pastor, Rev. Byrd delivered the address. A collection of $7.40 was taken up in the afternoon, Rev. Henderson preached from John 1:15 “Get Acquainted with Him and you will Enjoy Him.” Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the day. The Deacons were: Smith T. McCann, Sinker Green, Will Howard, Charles Wilson, Woodson Howard, Jr., Peter Newby and John Coleman. Side Deacons were: William McClure, William Spencer, Will Simpson, Dudley Simpson and Carter Howard. There were 101 active members and 63 inactive ones. Many of the very best of Ministers have been called here. They came and saved souls, preached the gospel and made friends with the people. Each one was successful in his administration, under the leadership of these good men, we now stand firm for One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism. These ministers were: Rev. Spencer, Rev. Dancer, Rev. Matthew Garner, Rev. M. Beatty, Rev. G. R. Bush, Rev. Allen (1899), Rev. P. H. Smith, Rev. Young, Rev. Clark, Rev. Buchanan, Rev. Henderson, Rev. Byrd, Rev. Zephaniah Yates, Rev. Calloway, Rev. Levi Johnson, Rev. John A. Taylor (1954), Rev. Dr. Joseph McDowell (1982 - 2013), Rev. Emmanuel P. Young, and at present Rev. Michael K. Jackson (2016 to December 2024). In 1955, the Lord blessed our Church with finances to purchase land to build a church. This property located at Royster Road and Uttinger Lane was acquired from Mr. John Winkfield. Smith, Deacon Samuel Coleman, Sr. and Coleman McCann conducted ground breaking ceremonies which took place on October 14, 1956. The first shovel of dirt was moved by Deacon Sam D. Deacons Walter R. Howard, Stanley J. Hayes, Will McClure and Samuel O. Coleman, Sr. are credited in their efforts in seeing to the successful completion of this structure, which houses the church to this day. October 1956, groundbreaking services were held on the lot. These services were conducted by former pastor Rev. Smith. March 16, 1957, Cornerstone services were held by Rev. E. Nutter. On February 3, 1963, we had our first service in the new church. Again, history was made as we had our dedication and mortgage Burning services April 14, 1968. Debt on the new church was liquidated December of 1967. Since that time, history is still being made.
