From two historic congregations to one united church family, the story of Union Missionary Baptist Church is one of perseverance, faith, and generations of service.
The roots of Union Missionary Baptist Church reach back to 1875, when St. Luke Baptist Church was established. Bethlehem Baptist Church followed in 1893, originally under the name Bentley Branch. After decades of independent ministry, the two congregations united in 1952, forming the church family known today as Union Missionary Baptist Church.
A group of believers established St. Luke Baptist Church after leaving Old Steele Creek Baptist Church. The congregation initially worshiped beneath a bush arbor before constructing its first church building in 1880. Rev. Commodore Dunbar served as its first pastor.
Sis. Emily Rouse, her four children, Rev. J.D. Coleman, and B.J. Coleman helped establish a congregation originally known as Bentley Branch. The congregation initially worshiped beneath a bush arbor on purchased land.
Bentley Branch was renamed Bethlehem Baptist Church. Rev. S.I. Davis served as its first pastor.
Following government land acquisition and relocation in 1951, the deacons of St. Luke Baptist Church and Bethlehem Baptist Church agreed to unite. In 1952 the two congregations came together to form Union Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. W.M. Phinizy serving as pastor.
Rev. John W. Dingle was officially called as pastor on August 27, 2006, following the passing of Rev. C.W. Phinizy in 2005. He continues to serve as pastor today.
In 1952, two congregations with distinct histories came together in faith to form Union Missionary Baptist Church. Their shared legacy of perseverance, worship, and service continues to shape the church today.
Documented milestones in the church's pastoral history. This is not a complete list of every pastor who has served.
Rev. John W. Dingle was officially called to pastor Union Missionary Baptist Church on August 27, 2006, following a period of service as interim pastor. His leadership continues a longstanding tradition of worship, ministry, and service within the Barnwell community.
Our church family is committed to four things.
Gathering each week to worship God together.
Growing in understanding through Scripture and Bible study.
Caring for and encouraging one another as a church family.
Serving our neighbors and the Barnwell community.
To glorify God through worship, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, strengthen believers through biblical teaching, and serve our community through faith, love, and fellowship.
We believe the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and our guide for faith and Christian living.
We believe in one God, eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again.
We believe salvation comes through God's grace by faith in Jesus Christ.
We believe the church is a community of believers called to worship, grow spiritually, and serve others.
We believe followers of Christ are called to live in love, obedience, prayer, and service.
We believe baptism and the Lord's Supper are important ordinances established by Jesus Christ.
Discover the complete history of the congregations that became Union Missionary Baptist Church, preserved from our original historical pamphlet.
Read the Complete Church History