Union Grove United Methodist Church History
Before the Civil War a small group of Methodists organized and built a log cabin for a place of worship. On this one-acre lot Chestnut Grove Methodist Church and Chestnut Grove Cemetery was established. In 1839, a group of Presbyterians organized and worshiped in a log cabin until 1852 when construction on their new church, Union Presbyterian Church began. It was completed and dedicated on May 29, 1857.
On October 13, 1928 the deacons of Union Presbyterian Church, desiring to change locations, offered to the trustees of Chestnut Grove Methodist Church South the opportunity to purchase their church and property where the 71 year old church stood. Those trustees, J.J. Croden, G.H. Fletcher, R.B. Tugwell, W.L. Waddell, Dr. R.T. Keaton, R. J. Marcum, and J.B. Warren, accepted the offer and the name Chestnut Grove was changed to Union Grove.
In 1947 a building committee was appointed to plan for the replacement of the 19th Century structure. Work began in the summer of 1947 with material salvaged from the old church whenever possible. Members of the church as well as people of the community contributed to the construction of the new building in many ways. Merchants and members, Marvin Mitchell and J.B. Warren, Jr., helped with securing materials at a discount price and the stained glass windows were given in memory of past members.
In January of 1989 plans for the addition of a new fellowship hall and four classrooms began. Union Grove United Methodist Church has and will continue to be a vital part of the community. Whenever needs have arisen, they have been met.