Historic Oconee County Church to Dedicate New Building Addition and Renovation

By Rev. Troy A. Tatum

Union Christian Church will celebrate the completion of construction on a new addition and renovation project with a Building Dedication Service on Sunday, May 19, at 11:00 AM.  The public is invited to the celebration, with a catered meal to follow.  The cost of the meal is $9.50 for adults, $4.50 for children.  Meal reservations can be made by calling 706-769-6448 or emailing unioninfo@att.net. 

The church’s new addition includes a new entry way and gathering space, handicap accessible restrooms, new fellowship hall and kitchen, and a hallway connecting the new addition to the existing building.  The sanctuary renovations include restoration of the original wood floors and wainscoting, new ceiling, new and improved lighting, new trim and molding, and an expanded chancel area.  Garland and Associates of Bogart has served as the church’s contractor for the building addition and sanctuary renovation.

Those who would like a tour of the new and improved facilities but are unable to attend the Building Dedication may call the church office to schedule a tour anytime after May 19.  Church office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

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Formed in 1852 by the “union” of two young congregations meeting in the area, Union is a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  In the 1950s the church’s current sanctuary was moved from a Florida military base to replace the original small white clapboard church building.  The fellowship hall and Sunday School classrooms were added in the 1970s. 

“Throughout the years our building has served us well,” says Rev. Troy Tatum, the church’s pastor.  “As we look to the future, though, we realize the need for improvements to our facilities which will once again open our building to those searching for God and the security and love of a church home. By improving the appearance and functionality of our sanctuary to enhance our worship experience, by providing new gathering space to welcome our neighbors, a new fellowship hall for nurturing our church family, and by making our facilities more accessible to all, we believe Union Christian Church will be well equipped to proclaim the gospel here and beyond for years and years to come.”

Union Christian Church is located at 1130 Union Church Road in Watkinsville.