About Us | Union Grove Church of God of Prophecy

Beginnings (1918–1919)

A Prayer That Sparked a Movement

As World War I ended and the nation edged toward the Great Depression, Archie Parker was gravely ill with TB. His sister, Diathuller Mitchell, who had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost near Red Bay, Alabama, sent word that believers could come pray.

Though Archie’s wife, Mollie, was hesitant, his mother Ollie Hopkins had been praying for such a visit. Bro. Joe Holley and Sis. Elizabeth White from Red Bay came and prayed—Archie lived many more years. Revival followed in the homes of Harve Mitchell and Ollie Hopkins, with many receiving the Holy Ghost.

Eyewitness memory: Sister Hazel Mitchell recalled Sis. White dancing in the Spirit until her hair fell down; as a child she thought Sis. White was dying!

Organization & First Baptisms (1919)

The church organized in the home of Jimmy & Ollie Hopkins. Seven charter members joined: Eunice Franks, Bro. Lucas, Mittie Lofton Mitchell, Claude Loftin, Maud Powell, Troy Hopkins Prestage, and Maude Moxley (wife of the preacher).

First Pastor: Bro. Richard Moxley
First Clerk: Eunice Franks
First Deacon: Bro. Lucas
Baptisms: Easter Sunday 1919, in a nearby pond

Early visiting ministers often traveled by wagon or on foot from Red Bay, including Richard Moxley, Joe Holley, Frank Smidley, B. O. Funderburk, Elmer Wigginton, Henry Lucamnes, Bro. Hamilton, and E. C. Ryder.

Prayer, Healing, & Holy Boldness

Testimonies abound: at gatherings people were saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost. When sickness struck, the church gathered to pray until healing came. As a child with “Slow Fever,” Hazel Mitchell trusted the Lord—she was healed after months in bed, despite warnings to her father.

Crowds came from miles around—some curious, some cautious—to see the “Holy Rollers.” The Spirit was moving.

First Meeting Places

Services in the Hopkins home while finances were meager.
A log cabin was built across the road to serve as parsonage and for Sunday School/Church; Pastor Moxley moved in as the work grew.

Early Growth & Trials (1920s–1930s)

Mid-1920s: Land a few yards down the road was donated by the Parker family; a rough-edged plank building was erected.
April 1936 Tornado: The same storm system that devastated Tupelo severely damaged the church and destroyed some members’ homes. God preserved and the church was repaired.

Mid-Century Building & Renewal (1940s–1960s)

Parsonage

Late 1940s, under Clyde Nelson, a new parsonage was built (at today’s walking track marker).

South Wing & Improvements

During J. C. Woods’ pastorate, the south section of the church (facing the road) was built. Over time, both parsonage and church saw additions and remodeling.

Major Program

A major building program launched under Gene Douglas.

Expansion of Facilities (1970s–2000s)

From the rough-edged building to a 250-seat auditorium, an 11-classroom education facility, a library, and an auditorium for Children’s Church, with a kitchen and fellowship hall in the basement.
Under Andrew Cook, additional land was purchased and a playground established (swings, slides, see-saws, swinging bridge, tennis court, T-ball field). A cemetery and outdoor pavilion for services were also added. The Pavilion/Outdoor Stage was remodeled in 2009–2010.
Under Curtiss Shelton, a new parsonage was built across the road from the old church, behind the present-day facilities.
Begun with James Akins and completed under Billy Adams: today’s facilities include a 400-seat auditorium, 11 classrooms, a library, Children’s Church auditorium, two nurseries, a prayer chapel, and Administrative Offices. The lower level includes a fully equipped industrial kitchen, fellowship hall, outdoor fry house, and gymnasium.

Season of Strength: Bishop Ryan Napalo (2008–Present)

Next-Gen Investment

Construction of a 100-seat youth sanctuary and added classroom space to disciple the next generation.

Campus Improvements

Ongoing remodels and upgrades across nearly all spaces over the last sixteen years of his current tenure.

Debt-Free Milestone

Under Bishop Napalo’s leadership the church became completely debt-free, paying off the mortgage in full—freeing resources for ministry and mission.

Centennial Celebration (2019)

For the church’s 100th anniversary, a Centennial Pavilion was constructed across the road from the current sanctuary (on the grounds of the second church). As a living memorial, families and members purchased engraved bricks that were laid as the foundation of the pavilion.

Union Grove Church History