What We Believe

We believe the Bible is the divinely inspired and authoritative Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

• We believe in one God, Creator, and Sustainer of the Universe, who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  
  
• We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who being fully God became fully man, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, was raised bodily, is exalted to God's right hand, and will personally come again.
  
  
• We believe that all have sinned and are guilty before God; and as a result, all, both individually and corporately, suffer the consequences of the Fall and are under condemnation.
  
  
• We believe that because of His love, God sent His Son Jesus Christ, who inaugurated His kingdom, provided atonement for sin, conquered the principalities and powers, is reconciling the world to Himself, and will consummate His kingdom in righteousness, power, and glory.
  
  
• We believe that those who repent and believe in Christ are delivered from God's judgment and are born again into life eternal, and are called to be instruments of God's righteousness and reconciliation in human society.
  
  
• We believe in the Holy Spirit who glorified Jesus Christ, works in all people to bring them to faith and obedience, and dwells in believers equipping and empowering them for lives of holiness and fruitful service.
  
  
• We believe that the church, the body of Christ, consists of all believers and exists to fulfill Christ's mission, making disciples of all nations and bringing healing and justice to human society, all to the glory of God.
  
  
• We believe in the resurrection of the body, the everlasting punishment of unbelievers, and the everlasting blessedness of believers in the presence of Christ.

A Brief History Of Central Union Missionary Baptist Church

During the year 1878, a small band of baptized believers in Christ desiring a place of worship, assembled under a bush harbor and organized what is now known as the Central Union Missionary Baptist Church. The record shows that the following persons made up the band of founders: Reverends Henry Felder, and George Jackson, Deacons Wilson Wood, Bob Robinson, and Major Felder. Immediately after organizing plans were made to build and consecrate a place of divine worship. They built a three room wooden edifice on the northern end of Pine Street not far from the railroad tracts. The structure housed the sanctuary, pastor’s study, and a small multi-purpose room. Central union has been an integral part of the Fort Valley community for 130 years.

The first pastor was Reverend Ben Benjamin. There have been twelve other pastors in the 130 year history.

The Reverend L. W. Boyd succeeded Reverend Warren and was pastor for 13 years.

The Reverend G. J. Lane served for 14 years.

The Reverend C. L. Wilder served for a period of 3 years.

The church was without a pastor from July, 1939 to March, 1940. Services were carried on by Reverend Batts.

The Reverend D. N. Conner served for 8 years.

In July 1948 Reverend A. J. Shaw, our longest tenured pastor, was called. He was a man of vision, a gospel preacher, one with strong determination and a willingness to serve the people. Under his leadership the new (current) sanctuary was built. It was dedicated on March 27, 1960. Reverend Shaw served for 31 years.

The Reverend Harold Rawls became the tenth pastor of this church and served until his death on October 31, 1982.

Almost one year later, Dr. Jimmy L. Williams was called as pastor. Many new programs were started under his administration. A church parsonage was purchased and on August 15, 1987, a ground-breaking ceremony for a spacious fellowship hall was held and soon after excavation began for additional Sunday School Classrooms, bathrooms, and a larger kitchen.

Dr. Williams resigned on Sunday, June 25, 1995. The church was without a pastor until May 1996. Reverend E. S. Evans served as interim pastor during this period.

The Reverend William J. Perkins was installed as our 12th pastor on September 15, 1996. During Pastor Perkins administration the church continued to grow. Improvements to the physical property continued with the paving of the church’s parking lot and a new marquee was erected.

From November 1999 to June 2001, Central Union was without a pastor. During this period, with Rev. Motea Jackson serving as interim pastor, the church continued to progress spiritually and physically.

The Reverend Dr. K. Daniel Dawsey was installed as the 13th pastor of Central Union on September 22, 2001. Under his administration God has taken a 129 year old very traditional church and transformed her into a vibrant growing church with the ability to meet the needs of this present age without compromising the rich and effective history she has built in the community and throughout the state. Under Pastor Dawsey’s leadership the church continues to progress spiritually and physically. The sanctuary and kitchen were renovated and seventy-two (72) acres of land was purchased for future development. Our first television ministry was initiated in July 2004 and the first web page followed in 2005.

During Pastor Dawsey’s tenure over two hundred fifty new members have been added and the annual giving has increased five-fold. With his courageous and tireless approach we look forward to moving to the new church campus on Highway 96 West in the very near future.

Note: Down through the years many faithful men and women of God have been instrumental in the successful ministries of Central Union. They have served as Deacons, Deaconesses, Ministers, Choir Members, Ushers, Sunday School Teachers, and in so many other capacities. For a full history of the church please contact the church office.