Brief History of Union Springs African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

The history of Union Springs A.M.E. Zion Church can be traced back to August 15, 1877. Union Springs is one of the oldest churches where the membership is of African descent. It is recorded that three lay leaders, Samuel Williams, Edesell Cuthbertson and Daniel Tomberlin purchased two acres of land including a spring on Morgan Mill Road in Monroe, NC. The church derived its name from the spring that is onsite. It also the reason that it is often referred to as “The Springs”. The cornerstone states that the original edifice was erected in 1921. The old cemetery is located in the rear of the church.

        A distinctive architectural feature on the property in an open-area arbor with wooden pegs driven between hand-hewn 8” X 1’-2” studs and 4” X 6” joist. Special services such as camp meetings, revivals and Easter sunrise worship were held annually in this historic arbor, which still stands. Family and friends would come from all over the United States to attend these spirit filled services.

        Over the years, many renovations have been completed including the addition of the fellowship hall, the pastor’s study, restrooms and stain glass windows.

Past pastors of the church include the Reverends Dunlap, Smith, D.M. Parker, J.W. Lomax, D.M. Parker, J.W. Bennett, Jones, Gilmore, Ned Stelly, Alexander, Terry, Conners, Blackmon, Caphus, Wesley, Daniels, Torrence, Gibson, O.W. Thompson, J.M. Gould, Fletcher Bennett, J.C. Smith, C.R. Kendall, Oscar L. Rush, Hubert McClendon, V.R. Dowdy, Michael Baker, Interim pastor Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Murray Edwards, Rev. Dr. James Smith and currently Rev. Tyrone J. Floyd.