On October 28, 1922, Union Bell Baptist Church was organized. What started as a lodge hall is now the driveway of the church. During the erection of the church, the initial members were: Ms. Lucy Carter, Mrs. Angie Ray, Mrs. Mary White, Mrs. Easter Washington, Mrs. Grace Greer, Mrs. Nannie Barnett, Mrs. Maggie Griffin, Mr. Silas Ray, Mr. John Taylor, and Mr. Joseph Boxley. All of whom are now deceased.

The church structure and building was first erected by the late Reverend George Ray, and pastored by Reverend William T. Tyler. Reverend Tyler served as Union Bells pastor from 1922 to 1927. He was succeeded by Reverend Peter Carter, who served as pastor for twenty-seven years (1927-1954). Reverend Carter is fondly remembered as a sincere speaker and excellent leader.

Following Reverend Carter, Union Bell would have eleven pastors: Reverend Warren Hudson (1955-1958), who had the present day pews installed, Reverend Abraham L. Colston and Reverend Cortez Davis (1964-1976) who finished the annex, purchased the present day pulpit set, piano, and new heating system. Also, during Reverend Davis tenure with Union Bell, a senior choir and community choir was organized. Later, the dining room was completed, newer restrooms were installed, and carpets were laid. After Reverend Davis resignation in 1976, Reverend Ronald Williams became Pastor (1976-1977), followed by the late Reverend Arthur Joyce (1978-1988).

Under Reverend Joyce’s leadership, the church was bricked, a stain glass window was placed over the front door, a picture of the Lords Supper was added behind the choir stand, air conditioning was installed and more pews were added.

Reverend Charles Payton was Union Bells eighth pastor (1988). During Reverend Payton’s leadership new choir seats, carpeting and paneling were installed, and a new kitchen stove and copier were purchased. Reverend Payton resigned in 1988.

Union Bells ninth pastor was Reverend Harry W. Andrews (1988-1993). Reverend Andrews brought a surge of teaching into the church, with an emphasis on understanding Gods Word and the baptismal pool was installed.

Reverend Charlie G. Hinton was Union Bells tenth pastor (1994-2000). During his ministry, renovations were done; adding a new wing onto the dining area and expanding the parking lot. Pastor Hinton served for six years before passing away after a short illness.

On October 20, 2001, Union Bell entered a new chapter of ministry with the election of its eleventh pastor, Reverend Clarence E. Mays. Guided by a profound vision for holistic ministry, Reverend Mays has spent over two decades ensuring that Union Bell serves as a beacon of love, healing, and restoration for both its congregation and the surrounding community. 

Reverend Mays led the congregation to completely pay off its expansion mortgage of the church fellowship hall within three years of his arrival.  He has taught on financial literacy, culminating in a year-long church-wide teaching series on stewardship. Through strategic investments purchased additional properties in 2009 and a 12-acre land acquisition. Reverend Mays has successfully secured ongoing rental income to fund the church's mission for generations to come along with the acquisition of the church’s official 501(c)(3) status.

Reverend Mays brought Union Bell into the 21st century by bridging faith and technology. Under his direction, the church established a computer learning center for its members and transitioned from traditional paper practices to a seamless digital giving system. Today, Union Bell’s ministry reaches far beyond its physical walls through an expanded website presence, active social media engagement, online Zoom Bible studies, global live-streaming capabilities, and the purchase of two vans to bring people to the house of worship.  

Reverend Mays brought Union Bell into the 21st century by bridging faith and technology. Under his direction, the church established a computer learning center for its members and transitioned from traditional paper practices to a seamless digital giving system. Today, Union Bell’s ministry reaches far beyond its physical walls through an expanded website presence, active social media engagement, online Zoom Bible studies, and global live-streaming capabilities.  The physical sanctuary has also been preserved and upgraded to match his forward-thinking vision. Reverend Mays has overseen extensive renovations of the kitchen, pastor’s study, finance room, and restrooms, alongside the installation of a new roof, a resealed parking lot, professional-grade copier, new musical instruments, installed TV monitors, security system, and an upgraded sound system.  He also launched Friday Noon Day Senior’s Bingo and Hannah Prayer Hour. 

To God be all the glory for the incredible work being done at Union Bell.  Amen!