05/18/2026
Union Grove Church History
“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.”— Psalm 145:4
The following brief history of Union Grove Church comes from the memories of witnesses from those early years, as the written records were destroyed by fire when the home of church clerk Mollie Parker burned.
World War I was ending, and our nation was entering a season of uncertainty when the church had its beginning. Yet even during difficult times, God was laying the foundation for a work that would impact generations to come.
Archie Parker was very ill. Doctors had diagnosed him with tuberculosis, and the prognosis was that he did “not have very long to live.” His sister, Diathuller Mitchell, who lived near Red Bay, Alabama, sent word that she had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and asked if members from the church she was attending could come and pray for his healing.
Archie’s wife, Mollie, not understanding divine healing or the baptism of the Holy Ghost, discouraged their coming. However, her mother, Ollie Hopkins, had been praying for someone to preach the truths she had already discovered in the Scriptures. So she and Archie, without Mollie’s knowledge, returned the message with a simple reply:
“Yes, please come.”
And they came.
Brother Joe Holley and Sister Elizabeth White traveled from Red Bay, Alabama, to pray for Brother Archie Parker. They prayed in faith, and Brother Archie Parker lived many more years.
"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” — James 5:15
Sister Hazel Mitchell later remembered Sister Elizabeth White dancing under the power of God until her hair came down. As a child, Hazel thought Sister White was dying because she had never witnessed such worship before.
From that prayer meeting, a great revival broke out.
Services continued in the homes of Harve Mitchell and Ollie Hopkins, and several people received the Holy Ghost. Many of the ministers who came during those early months traveled by wagon, on foot, or by hitchhiking from the Red Bay area.
Some of those pioneer ministers included:
• Richard Moxley
• Joe Holley
• Frank Smidley
• B. O. Funderburk
• Elmer Wigginton
• Henry Lushan
• Brother Hamilton
• E. C. Ryder
Soon afterward, the church was officially organized in the home of Jimmy and Ollie Hopkins. Seven people joined the church that day:
• Eunice Franks
• Brother Lucas
• Mittie Lofton Mitchell
• Claude Loftin
• Maud Powell
• Troy Hopkins Prestage
• Maude Moxley, the preacher’s wife
Brother Richard Moxley became the first pastor. Sister Eunice Franks was appointed the first church clerk, and Brother Lucas served as the first deacon.
Having very little financial support, the congregation continued meeting in the Hopkins home. On Easter Sunday in 1919, believers were baptized in a pond just up the road.
Those who were present testified that every gathering was marked by salvation, sanctification, and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost.
“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” — Acts 2:47
People traveled from miles around to witness what many called the “Holy Rollers.” Some were afraid to get too close, fearing strange things might happen. Yet the power of God continued to move mightily among the people.
When sickness came, church members gathered to pray and often stayed until healing came.
Sister Hazel Mitchell contracted what was known as “slow fever” and remained bedridden for three months. She told her father that if he trusted the Lord, she would be healed, but if he called the doctor, she would die. Her father chose to trust God.
A nearby man warned him that if Hazel died, he would see to it that he went to prison. But God healed her completely.
When Hazel finally returned to church, two women had brought flowers for her grave because they had heard she had died. Hazel Mitchell was only twelve years old at the time. She later lived to the age of ninety-two before passing away in 2009.
Across the road from the Hopkins home, a log cabin was erected to house the pastor and provide a place for Sunday School and worship services. Brother Moxley moved into the cabin, and the church continued to grow.
In the mid-1920s, land located a short distance down the road was donated by the Parker family, and a “rough-edged” plank building was erected.
In April 1936, a devastating tornado—the same storm that killed over a thousand people in Tupelo—severely damaged the church building. Several church members also lost their homes during the storm.
Yet through hardship, God remained faithful.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”— Psalm 46:1
The church was repaired, and the congregation continued pressing forward.
For several years, there was no pastor’s home. Then, in the late 1940s, under the leadership of Clyde Nelson and others, a parsonage was eventually built on the location where the walking track marker stands today.
During the pastorate of Brother J. C. Wood, the church building across the road—the south portion facing the road today—was constructed. Through the years, additions and renovations continued on both the church and the parsonage.
A major building program later began under the leadership of Gene Douglas. What had once been a simple “rough-edged” structure expanded into a facility that included:
• A 250-seat auditorium
• An 11-classroom educational wing
• A library
• A Children’s Church auditorium
• A basement fellowship hall and kitchen
“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”— Psalm 127:1
During the pastorate of Brother Andrew Cook, additional land was purchased, and a large playground was developed. The playground included swings, slides, see-saws, a swinging bridge, a tennis court, and a T-ball field.
A cemetery and pavilion for outdoor worship services were also established on the church grounds. The pavilion/outdoor stage was remodeled in 2009–2010.
Under the leadership of Brother Curtis Shelton, a new parsonage was constructed across the road from the old church and behind the present-day sanctuary.
A new sanctuary and ministry complex were started during the pastorate of Brother James Akins and completed under the leadership of Brother Billy Adams.
Today’s facilities include:
• A 400-seat sanctuary
• An 11-classroom educational facility
• A library
• A Children’s Church auditorium
• Two nurseries
• A prayer chapel
• Administrative offices
• A fully furnished industrial kitchen
• Fellowship hall
• Outdoor fry house
• Gymnasium
During the pastorate of Bishop Ryan Napalo, Union Grove Church experienced continued growth and expansion.
A 100-seat youth sanctuary and additional classrooms were constructed to help minister to the next generation. Numerous renovations and improvements have also been completed throughout the campus during his tenure.
Most significantly, under Bishop Napalo’s leadership, the church became completely debt-free, and the mortgage was paid in full—allowing the congregation to invest even more heavily into ministry, missions, outreach, and future growth.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”— Ephesians 3:20
In celebration of the church’s centennial anniversary, a 100th Anniversary Pavilion was constructed in 2019 to honor Union Grove’s rich heritage.
As part of this memorial effort, engraved bricks were purchased by families and members and laid as part of the pavilion foundation. The commemorative site now stands across the road from the current sanctuary on the grounds where the second church building once stood.
“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” — 1 Samuel 7:12
Over the decades, God has richly blessed Union Grove Church. Several churches trace their beginnings back to this congregation, including:
• Union View Church (now closed)
• Unity Church
• Tupelo Church
• Verona Church
Union Grove has also helped raise ministers, leaders, missionaries, teachers, and faithful servants who have impacted countless lives for the Kingdom of God.
# Pastors of Union Grove Church
1. Richard Moxley (1919–1922)
2. Henry Lushan (1922–1930)
3. B. O. Funderburk (1930–1934)
4. Monroe Parker (1934–Unknown)
5. Tommy Bradley (Dates Unknown)
6. Howard Gardner (Dates Unknown)
7. A. J. “John” Coalter (1944–1945)
8. Leon Lazenby (Unknown–1950)
9. C. V. Creel (1950–1953)
10. J. C. Wood (1953–1961)
11. D. D. Creasy (1961–1962)
12. Elmer Wigginton (1962–Unknown)
13. Gene Douglas (1966)
14. Claxton Cook (1966–1970)
15. Wayne Thorn (1970–1975)
16. T. A. “Andrew” Cook (1975–1985)
17. Curtis Shelton (1985–1991)
18. James Akins (1991–1998)
19. Billy Adams (1998–2002)
20. Robert Garmen (2004–2008)
21. Ryan Napalo (2008–Present)
Present-Day Vision
As Union Grove Church looks toward the future, the vision remains firmly rooted in the same Spirit-filled foundation upon which the church was established in 1919.
From prayer meetings in humble homes to the ministries and facilities enjoyed today, the mission of Union Grove continues to be proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, discipling believers, and reaching future generations through the power of Pentecost.
Today, Union Grove Church remains committed to:
• Worshiping in Spirit and in Truth
• Preaching the full Gospel of Jesus Christ
• Raising up the next generation of leaders
• Strengthening families through discipleship
• Reaching the community with compassion and truth
• Supporting world missions and evangelism
• Maintaining a spirit of prayer, holiness, and unity
Though buildings, ministries, and methods have changed through the years, the heart of Union Grove remains the same: seeing lives transformed by the power of God.
As one generation faithfully passes the torch to another, Union Grove Church continues to stand as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and grace, believing that the greatest days of ministry are still ahead.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.”
— Hebrews 13:8
For more than one hundred years, Union Grove Church has stood as a beacon of hope, revival, truth, and Pentecostal worship in this community.
Through seasons of hardship and blessing, God has faithfully sustained His people. As we honor the sacrifices, prayers, and faith of those who came before us, we look forward with expectation and confidence, believing that the same God who began this work will continue to guide Union Grove Church for generations to come.
“For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” — Psalm 100:5
