ABOUT
St. Paul United Church of Christ was established in 1872. At the time of its organization, it was St Paul Christian Church. Later it became St. Paul Congregational Christian Church. The United Church of Christ was officially formed in July 1961 when the Congregational Christian Churches, the Evangelical, and Reformed Churches merged and declared a constitution. St. Paul voted to become a part of that body.
Before any type of building was constructed, Charter members worshipped outside in what was commonly called a “bush arbor.”
On November 18, 1881, a parcel of land in the town of Middleburg, in Vance County, North Carolina was purchased by trustees Oscar Jones, Ras Langley, Sol Kearney and George Allen on behalf of the congregation from M. J. Hawkins of Warren County, North Carolina. No records are available to validate the construction date of the first church or its operation.
On May 18, 1948, William and Alabet Cousin of Vance County deeded a parcel of land to deacons A. Q. Brown, Sr., John Yancey, Sr., Carl Brown, Henry Yancey, Sr., Arthur Plummer, Morris Durham, Joseph Henderson and William Cousin on behalf of St. Paul. Plans for building a new church were launched in 1960.
A loan of four thousand dollars was secured through a deed of trust from Jasper B. Hicks. The cornerstone for the present cinder block church was laid July 4, 1960. The church was completed in 1963. The following renovations and/or additions have been made over a period of years: remodeling of kitchen and fellowship hall, central heat and air conditioning, a sound system, restrooms at front of the church, upholstered pews, pews for choir loft, new carpeting for sanctuary, a copier, TV, VCR, outside lighting, lighted outside bulletin board, church van, cemetery on the grounds of the church, and in 1999 the church purchased an electronic piano.
Spring 1998, St. Paul decided that it needed more space and a new wing. On Friday, July 31, 1998, a Building Committee was appointed by the church. The members were: Dennis Brown, Gary Plummer, Washington Cheek, Vilma Gatling, Betty Gregory, Robert Gregory, and William Turner. At the next conference meeting, Milton Bennett was added to the committee as Chairman.
In January 2000, the plans were submitted to several contractors in the area for bids. Trustee Dennis Brown submitted applications for loans to several financial institutions. J. L. Williams Construction Company was awarded the job. Deacon/Trustee Gary Plummer, a foreman with J. L. Williams was the site supervisor.
We, here at St. Paul United Church of Christ, located at 292 North Lee Avenue, Middleburg, North Carolina are grateful to God for sustaining us for over one hundred and forty-six years. We are truly thankful for the pioneers who were guided by God to leave us with such a great legacy. To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done!!!!
