Church History & Archives Ministry

The history of Union Missionary Baptist Church is something to be appreciated and preserved. It is memorable, educational, and interactive. Historical information allows congregants to learn about and remember our past. It tells us about our founding, its members, families, and how we’ve grown physically and numerically, as well as spiritually. Our history helps us to celebrate our triumphs and to be strengthened by our struggles. It teaches us about the community we live in and the contributions that have been made in order to leave both our church and our community better than we found it.  

The purpose of the Church History & Archives Ministry is to accurately collect, research, organize, document, update, preserve, and share the history of Union M. B. Church during the church’s anniversary and other occasions as needed or appropriate. 

Beverly Gay, Church Historian
[email protected]
(309) 828-1162

Cheleta Wesley, Assistant Church Historian
[email protected]
(309) 828-1162

“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”  Isaiah 46:9-10 (NIV)

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”  Marcus Garvey

“I have great respect for the past. If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going. I have respect for the past, but I’m a person of the moment. I’m here, and I do my best to be completely centered at the place I’m at, then I go forward to the next place.”  Maya Angelou

“One cannot and must not try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present.”  Golda Meir