In 1867, a large number of people from Ware Neck, along with people from other areas of Gloucester worshiped in a revival meeting at Zion Poplars. Seventeen persons were converted and as a result of that meeting, they became the founders of Union Zion Baptist Church.
The first meeting place was a shanty on Singleton Road. The 17 people were anxious to have a place of their own for worship services and therefore staged a rally and raised a total of $17.00. This money was used to make a payment on a section of property located on Singleton Rd. The property was located not far from our present church cemetery. At that time, there were no sawmills, and all the lumber had to be hand hewn in order to erect the structure.
Unfortunately, the first Union Zion was destroyed by fire, but with God at the helm, a second church was erected in 1880 on the same spot where the first church stood.
The first minister to serve as pastor was Rev. Philip Grevious. Rev. Thomas Napper of Yorktown, Virginia, served as pastor for about one year and was succeeded by Rev. S. S. Harding. Rev. Harding served Zion Poplars and Union Zion jointly. He lived in Gloucester and served as pastor for twelve years. Rev. Y. Jackson of Hampton, Virginia then took the position of pastor and served a brief period.
Union Zion was destroyed a second time by fire on a Christmas Eve, after the women of the church had cleaned for Christmas service. However, because of the love for the church and the members’ faithfulness to God, they were willing and ready to begin replacing the church, as they knew they must have a church in the community. The long hard struggle began, but this time the people decided to change the location and the third and present Union Zion was built. A member, Bro. Charlie Evans, a graduate of Hampton Institute, drew the blueprint for the structure. (It is of interest to note that Mr. Evans built the pulpit stand, which is currently in use. However the stand has been enhanced by raising the height.) After the completion of this church, Rev. Edward Paige, a Gloucester native, served as pastor for seven years.
Rev. J. W. Booth was called to serve as pastor on the 40th Anniversary of the church.
Rev. Luther Hughes, a native of Norfolk and a student at Virginia Union University, served for six years.
Rev. Alfred Gallop, a native of North Carolina and also a student at Virginia Union, succeeded Rev. Hughes.
Rev. Alex B. James, a native of Austin, Texas and a graduate of Virginia Union served as supply pastor in 1943. He accepted full pastoralship of Union Zion in 1944 and served until 1953. After that time, Dr. James served as President of Virginia Union University in Richmond from 1970 to 1979.
Rev. G. A. Boykins, a Virginia native living in Richmond, was called as pastor in 1953. in June of 1975, after twenty-two years of service, Rev. Boykins was called from works to reward.
Again, because of its spiritual confidence, Union Zion continued to progress. We were able to use supply ministers until Rev. William Upshur, a Virginia native, was installed as pastor in May of 1977. Rev. Upshur served as pastor for twenty-one years.
Rev. Dana Darby, a Pennsylvania native living in Richmond was installed as pastor in September of 2000 and served for one year.
Rev. Willie Dickerson, a Richmond native living in Hampton, Virginia was installed as pastor in March, 16, 2003.
Union Zion has prospered spiritually through new membership, mission programs, and a great desire of its members to follow Christ. In the 50’s Union Zion was consolidated with Ware Neck Baptist Church. Union Zion operates with the following auxiliaries: A joint Deacons and Deaconess Board - The Deacons were ordained as a board at the church’s inception. In 1949, under the leadership of Pastor A. B. James, the Deaconess Board was established and in later years the two boards have consolidated. Trustees, Sunday School, Music Department (Senior Choir, Gospel Chorus, Youth Choir). Usher’s Board(reorganized in 1959 under two groups; men and women - presently they serve together). Church Aide – established in the 1950’s.
Over the years, many eventful ventures into the cause of God in Gloucester County began at Union Zion. We have been pioneers in establishing such annual events as Homecoming (1943), Family and Friends Day (1983), and Revival in Song (1980).
Union Zion has served others through a Food Bank, which was established in 1986, and an outreach Ministry, which was started in 1988. Through an endowment from Ms. Alice Thornton, a former member, a scholarship fund was established in 1988 for area high school seniors. We donated to the Hugo Disaster Relief Fund and have purchased a lifetime membership in the N A A C P. During 2000, under the leadership of Pastor Darby, our former pastor, Rev. Upshur was elected as Pastor Emeritus.
Although, our membership has decreased in membership, we were able to purchase a bus in 2005 through pledges of our members. In 2007, we started a church building fund to help defray the cost of building and ground maintenance. In order to enhance the church serve, a new sound system and interior lights were installed.
On February 24, 2008, Rev. Betty Carter was ordained as the first female minister by Rev. Willie Dickerson and Union Zion Baptist Church. Before Rev. Carter, Rev. James Davis was ordained by Rev. William Upshur and Union Zion on September 12, 1982. Rev. Davis later became pastor of Gleaning Baptist Church in Gloucester. Other sons in the gospel include father and son, Rev. Richard Warner Smith (deceased) and John E. Smith of Chesapeake, Va., as well as Rev. Marcus G. Wood of Baltimore, Md.
Through the years, our non-resident club members in various cities have shown an overwhelming spiritual and financial interest in our church. At each yearly “Homecoming” service, many of these people return to our community and church to show great contributions with their support.
We have been able to improve on our sanctuary in numerous ways under the aforementioned leaders. Union Zion takes great pride in the gift that God has loaned us in which to worship.
In 1967, we celebrated our centennial. In the years since, we can certainly look back with much thankfulness and praise to God for His blessings. May we all rejoice in what we have and accomplished, but not forget the struggle God has seen us through in the past years. Let us continue to pray that under God’s divine guidance, we may be able to continue to stand in the storm as a beacon, showing the way to eternal life to the unsaved.
