A service to observe the 125th Anniversary of First Union Missionary Baptist Church in Meridian will be held Sunday at 3 p.m.

Special guest speaker for the occasion will be the Rev. Willie Jones, President of the East Mississippi Baptist State Convention and Pastor of the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Morton.

“We anticipate a joyous high-spirited time of praise, worship and preaching,” said Dr. Melvin J. Hendricks, pastor. “If you are a former member or participant in the ministries provided through our church during these 125 years of existence, we extend a special invitation to share this most memorable event.”

A reception will be held at the church following the 3 p.m. services.

Facts about First Union Missionary Baptist Church

Organized in 1891, First Union Missionary Baptist Church was the idea of the Rev. Winston G. Edmond. The original members came from Weeping Mary and Newton Hope Baptist Churches. The first two years of service were held in Badfort Hall with Rev. Edmond serving as pastor. Later the church moved from Badfort to a house on the corner of 38th Avenue and Davis Street. Shortly thereafter Rev. Edmond purchased lumber and the men met and erected the first church at its present location.

The second administration was under Rev. J.J. Jordan, who served as pastor for six years. During his administration the first Missionary Society was organized. The Rev. J.T. Davis was the third leader, and under his leadership three churches were built and equipped. The church was represented in the district, state and national conventions.

The Rev. B.W. Coates became the fourth leader and served for 29 years. “Reconstruction or Church Development Period” was the theme of his leadership. The parish house was purchased, Sunday School reorganized with average attendance of 110 students. The following groups were also organized: Young People’s Department, and Usher Board.

The Rev. S. Leon Whitney was the fifth leader of the church for almost two years. He was credited with paying off church’s indebtedness. Presented place for the work of the Educational Annex.

From July 1959 to May 1974 the Rev. Richard S. Porter was the sixth leader of the church. Under his leadership, the church opened the doors to its Headstart Program in 1967. The program lasted until 1972. The parish house was renovated and the construction of classrooms and the assembly hall, as well as remodeling the sanctuary and completing he basement of he church.

In January 1975 Rev. Roy L. Brown assumed the pastorate as he seventh leader of the church for four years. Under his leadership the church purchased its first parking lot. The Angelic and R.L. Brown choirs were organized.

In July of 1982, Rev. Richard Bradley assumed the pastorate as the eighth leader of the church. Under his leadership the parish house was renovated and the Educational Annex was rededicated.

In August of 1987, Rev. Charlie Jackson assumed the pastorate as the ninth leader of the church for 15 years, until failing health caused him to resign. Under his leadership he initiated several programs.

In October of 1999, the sanctuary of the church caught fire. Church services were held first in the educational annex and then moved to Clark’s Funeral Home during the renovations of the sanctuary. Exactly one year later in October 2000, Rev. Jackson dedicated the renovated sanctuary.

Rev. Melvin J. Hendricks has been the leader of the church since January 2006 until the present day. Under his leadership the church has witnessed increased membership, new ministries, technology advancements as well as future plans for improvements of the church. More facts:

• Davis Courts Housing Complex was named for Rev. J.T. Davis, third pastor of First Union.

• The church’s kindergarten program was organized in the ‘40s under the leadership of Rev. B.W. Coasters and his wife, Mrs. Etta Coates. The program operated until Project Headstart succeeded it in the ‘70s.

• The Lauderdale County, now First Mississippi Federal Credit Union, was organized at First Union.

• Funeral services for James Chaney were held at the church.

• The annual Martin Luther King Celebration is held at First Union.

• A historic marker for the Civil Rights Trail was placed at the church on the 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer.