SouthUnion::History

South Union's History
On September 9, 1954, a group of Christians from the Third Ward Church of Christ met in a vacant house at 7702 Doris Street (now Tierwester), which was owned by the late Bro. and Sis. Arthur Jackson, to establish the South Union Church of Christ congregation. At this meeting, the subsequent officials were chosen: Brothers Eddie Kilpatrick, Chairman; R. C. Bailey, Financial secretary; Arthur Jackson, Recording Secretary; Dennis Thompson, Treasurer; Ed Nutall, Charlie Williams and J. C. Crain, appointed Trustees.
The first sermon was preached by Bro. Emmitt Woods and the second by Bro. Willie Hoffman. Bro. Walter Jackson was appointed song leader. Bro. Edgar Scott came to preach on the third week of worship and was elected as minister of this work. At that time he was serving as minister for the South End Church of Christ in Giddings, Texas, Mitchell Chappell Church of Christ in Chriesman, Texas, and Riverside Church of Christ in Riverside, Texas. He was a member of the Fifth Ward Church of Christ and served as the assistant minister there as well.
The small group of Christians rented the aforementioned building from its owners and later purchased it for $4,500.00. The membership, including children, was approximately 35 at that time. It began to grow so rapidly that it became imminent that a larger place to worship was necessary. This resulted in the purchasing of property at 3 ) 601 Lydia Street and the construction if a building for $38,000.00, It was financed by members and friends who purchased bonds. On June 23, 1957, the dedication service for the all-brick structure was held. The auditorium had a seating capacity of approximately 125 with a west wing. In May, 1961, two additional lots, across the street, were purchased for parking.
Several years later, Brother R. C. Bailey (deceased), J. C. Crain (deceased), and Arthur Jackson deceased), were selected to serve as Elders. They were ordained on February 9, 1964, by our minister, Bro. Edgar Scott. This was followed by the selection and ordination of Brothers Elmo Bailey, Edward Carraway, Leonard Davis, John Ellis, J. V. Rodgers*, Willis Turner*, J. C, Young*, Jeff Flakes (deceased), Walter Jackson (deceased), and Collidge Fance (deceased), to serve as deacons on March 29, 1964.
The church continued to grow in Christian love and membership, which later resulted in the construction of our next building, on the parking area, across the street. It was dedicated on March 19, 1967. This building had a seating capacity of approximately 450, three offices, nursery, two dressing rooms, baptistery, and ladies' lounge.
On May 13, 1984, Brothers Edward Carraway, Leonard Davis, and John Ellis were ordained as Elders to join Brothers R. C. Bailey and Arthur Jackson. On September 9, 1984, Brothers Joe Harris*, James Roberson, Paul Q. Watson (deceased), and John Stevenson* were ordained as Deacons to join Brothers Elmo Bailey and Willis Turner*.

In 1984, an apartment and educational complex (which included a church library) were added.
On November 11, 1990, Bro. Freddy Holland was ordained as Elder, and Brothers Kirkland Hall, Clarence Hebert*, Walter Jeffery, Freddie Lewis, and Eddie White*, were ordained as Deacons. On August 1, 1993, Bro. James Roberson was employed as Associate Minister to assist Bro. Edgar Scott. In January, 1995, Bro. Scott retired and was replaced by Bro. Roberson who served as a full time minister for 8 years.
As our South Union Family continued to grow, it was necessary to have two morning services to provide adequate seating. In October 1997, an 8:00 a.m. service was added in addition to the 10:45 a.m. service. Bible classes remained at 9:30 a.m. Our attendance grew to over 450 with two morning services. Through the prayers of the saints and blessings from God, in November 1997, an earnest money contract was signed for the purchase of an 8.86 acre tract of land located off Highway 288, at the corner of Holly Hall and Ardmore Streets.
In March 1999, plans were underway to construct a facility on our newly acquired property that would accommodate our current growth and also give us room for God's future blessings. Several months were consumed in planning, surveying, testing, and reporting. On Sunday, April 16, 2000, an official groundbreaking ceremony was held, denoting the beginning construction of Phase I of our new facility. Phase I is a 21,240 square foot facility with 1,317 occupancy load. It features a multi-purpose gym, a commercial kitchen and pantry, 11 classrooms, a toddlers' room, nursery, 5 offices, conference room, work room, and a secretary / reception area.
The growth of the congregation necessitated some additions to our leadership. Just prior to entering our new building, on January 28, 2001, Brothers Phillip Alexander*, Wilfred Dogan, Eugene Felder, and Efrem Jernigan were ordained as Deacons. Deacon Freddie Lewis was ordained as Elder.
On Sunday morning, February 18, 2001, the South Union Church of Christ Family met at the old church building to walk and enter the new facility for the first time as a unit. On this day, Brother Edgar Scott was given the honor of preaching the first sermon at our new facility. In his words "We have crossed the Jordan," Oh What A Day!!!!
It was announced at worship service on Sunday, April 11, 2004, that Bro. Gerald Lee, from Southwestern Christian College, would be our new minister.
With God's blessings, the membership has grown to over 600 members.

*Resigned