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 2001 – Present

The history of Union Missionary Baptist Church of Bloomington, IL began when we were organized in 1892 following a tumultuous birth out of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church. However, our humble, modest beginnings landed on a firm foundation; a foundation that will be celebrating 132 years of endurance, strength, love, and fellowship in May 2024.

Union has spent its entire existence located just southwest of downtown Bloomington.  We are nestled in a residential neighborhood at the corner of Jackson and Oak. And just like the neighborhood we worship in, Union is a multi-generational, family-oriented church with a current membership of 103 who make up the heart and soul of Union. We are a very caring, loving, and welcoming church family. We are also proud to be making a difference in our community through Union’s Food Pantry which serves, on average, 45 families each month and as many as 60.

Two of Union’s biggest accomplishments were in 1983 and 2001 when we built our current Educational Center and our newest Sanctuary across the street from our original building that was built in the late 1800’s. Both of these buildings provide a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for our Christian Education classes and our Worship services. Our most memorable occasion was the year-long celebration leading up to our 100th Church Anniversary in 1992: “Golden Moments and Precious Memories”.

Bloomington is part of the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal which is located in Central Illinois.  As of 2015, we had a combined population of 133,324. We are situated approximately 125 miles South of Chicago; 155 miles North of St. Louis; 160 miles West of Indianapolis; and 130 miles east of Quincy.  Our State Capitol of Springfield is just 64 miles to the Southwest.  We are easily accessible to and surrounded by Interstates 39, 55, and 74. Bloomington-Normal is home to Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan Universities, Heartland Community College, and Lincoln College-Normal.  The corporate headquarters of State Farm Insurance, COUNTRY Financial, and world famous Beer Nuts also make their homes in our community. Our children are educated by District 87 and Unit 5 school districts in addition to several private and religious institutions. Our world-class healthcare facilities include Advocate BroMenn Medical Center and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. Travel to and from the twin cities is provided by Amtrak train service and the Central Illinois Regional Airport. Bloomington-Normal is home to a multitude of arts, culture and entertainment, trails and parks, fairs and festivals, restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers.

Union is affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., Baptist General State Convention of IL, and Wood River Baptist District Association.

Our road has not always been an easy one, but through it all, God has kept us moving forward. “Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before” (James Beckham).  To God be the glory because “it is well with our soul”.

Please explore the rest of our website to learn more “About Us”.  You can also learn more about the Bloomington-Normal community by visiting:  www.visitbn.org.

 

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1892-1983                                                      1983-2001