Union Methodist is the oldest church in Quitman County, founded in 1837 as a non-denominational congregation with thirty-four charter members. Among them were Mrs. George Ellis, remembered as the first charter member, and Mrs. Adelyn Lee Crumbley, who donated the land for the original church.

That first log building is believed to have stood about a mile southwest of today’s site, on land owned by the Crumbley family. Later, the congregation worshiped across the road from the current location until after the Civil War. Accounts suggest that services were once held under a brush arbor during a great revival meeting, after which the members decided to construct a larger church. In 1866, they purchased one and a half acres from Mr. Crumbley for twenty dollars. Trustees Abraham Shields, John Phillips, Thomas S. Bryant, James Suggs, and William Lewis oversaw construction of the new building, completed and dedicated by the end of that year. That 1867 structure still stands today.

Through the years, Union Methodist has been sustained by faithful members even in difficult times. In the 1930s, when the sanctuary was in dire need of repair, Rev. R. H. Moreland led a restoration effort that was completed with the help of the Methodist Church Extension in 1941. Electricity followed in 1947, replacing the kerosene lamps that had lit services for generations.

The churchyard holds a historic cemetery, the resting place of early pastors and members, including Rev. Potter, who died while leading a revival and is buried here. A small one-room schoolhouse also stands on the grounds, preserved as a reminder of the church’s role in the life of the community. Today, Union Methodist continues to be lovingly maintained. Homecoming services are held annually, drawing descendants and former members back from miles away to celebrate faith, family, and memory in this quiet corner of rural Georgia.