History and Heritage of Union Wesley AME Zion Church
Christian men and women of vision, strength, and conviction took leadership in establishing Union Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Mt. Our forefathers had a vision and they passed it on from one generation to the next. Although little is recorded of the founding members, one is noted to have been Richard Price among; are now dec
eased; however their contribution will live on in the church records. Price affectionately known as “Mr. Rich” served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees when the church was built. The first building was without central heating and air condition. It was a little more than half the size of our existing structure. In addition to this simple building not having heating and cooling it was without a locked door, padded pews, and indoor plumbing. This one room structure was also without a church office and no study was provided for the pastor. The church office was simply the last pew in the building. The paperwork as little as it was, was kept on this particular pew. One might find a fan and Sunday school books also. The dining hall was a simple strand of fence wire stretched between to post or two trees. Dinner was served from boxes neatly wrapped, lovingly prepared and brought from the kitchens of mothers who normally gathered their fixings from the garden, the pantry, or smokehouse. In later years the congregation was able to have the church wired for electricity and also purchased piano. In 1967, the membership made plans and began building the current structure under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Dennis E. The small, but spirited, membership of about 20 members recorded increased to about 50 and has made considerable progress over the years. As a result of an error in the previous land deed the purchase of an acre of land was made for the land the church now stands. It was in March of 1972, the Board of Trustees which composed of: Anna Mae McCullen, Roosevelt Graham, Jr., James L. Carr, Monzell Miller, and James E. McKinney. After the church was wired with electricity April 1, 1977, the now Greater Union Wesley A. Zion Church opened for its first worship service on May 7, 1977. Later in the year four (4) new space heaters were added. In January 1980, the pastor’s study and business room added. April 13, 1980, two aerial lights were installed outdoors. December 11, 1980, the pulpit area and choir loft were raised. The bathrooms were added to the narthex in July of 1981. In July 1995, under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Geraldine Edwards, construction of the dining hall began. Their hard work, dedication, determination and faith in God were rewarded; by the closing of the conference year, the dining hall was completed. In addition to the pulpit furniture and carpet installation, a new heating and air conditioning unit was installed. Reverend Florence W. Pender succeeded Reverend Edwards. The church purchased a 15 passenger van. New exterior entrance and interior doors were installed. New stained glassed windows were also installed. A porch and steeple were added to the front of the church. Additionally, the church purchased robes for choirs, drums, copier, and a PA System. In November 2000, Brother Hugh Miller succeeded Reverend Pender. Brother Miller supplied the congregation until December 2000, when the Reverend Charles A. Eason transferred from the Albemarle Conference and was assigned as pastor. Under the pastorate of Reverend Eason the trustees negotiated the purchase of the land in front of the church. In June 2001, Reverend Eason was transferred back to the Albemarle Conference and Brother Miller returned to complete the conference year. In November 2001 the land was purchased and the trustees began plans to renovate the sanctuary. Under the Reverend Felecia Jones, who succeeded Brother Miller., the sanctuary renovations where completed during her pastorate. Also, the exterior of the church was painted, the grounds were landscaped and the circular driveway was constructed. The sanctuary, pastor’s study, business room and bathrooms were renovated. During that year a membership has a new sign constructed on the new property which is accented with landscape and lights. As part of our "Greater Union Wesley Day" & Church Anniversary on September 6, 2009, under the leadership of the Reverend Shawin E. DuBois the church began "Now Finish the Work" campaign to pay off our church indebtedness early and thus save thousands of dollars of interest. Thru faithful and sacrificial giving of God's people we were able to see this project completed in May 2010. Pastors serving years 1919 – 2015: Reverend Thomas Williams, Reverend George, Reverend Sherwin O. Green, Reverend Dennis E. Baker, Brother Simms, Reverend Morris Newkirk, Reverend Geraldine Edwards, Reverend Florence W. Pender, Brother Hugh Miller, Reverend Charles A. Eason, Reverend Felecia Jones and Reverend Shawin E. DuBois. Although their contributions are too numerous to detail here, we praise God for their love and leadership of Greater Union Wesley. Over the past few years, under Pastor Shawin DuBois, God gave him our church's new vision, mission and goals for "Greater" Union Wesley. We seen the Lord's blessings in the implementing of some of these goals. As the Lord tarries we continue to look forward to many more great things being accomplished for the Lord. We know the best days for Union Wesley lie ahead with our present pastor Reverend William E. McDow. He was assigned to our church in October 2015. Only God knows the plans for our church. We trust God and will fully and completely support Reverend McDow in the vision God has given him for our church.
