Corinth Baptist Church had an humble beginning after the War Between the States, around 1869. The original meeting place was located on Grog Street, now known as Enterprise Street. According to an "old citizen's account" in a newspaper article in 1908, the meeting place was an old wooden structure with two front doors and a back door. This building was actually owned by a "White" Methodist group who allowed the Black congregation to worship in the gallery. When the Methodist congregation decided to relocate, this building was given to the Black congregation. These are the same Blacks who later became organized in 1883 and chose the name Corinth Baptist Church. The Methodist Congregation is believed to have been Grace Methodist Church now located at 201 S. Church St.
In June of 1884, the Union Mill Company found it necessary to expand and desired the site where the church stood at that time. According to a document dated January 22, 1884, the present site of Corinth Baptist Church was purchased on what was then Judgment Street, now Herndon Street, for a total sum of $600.00. The original structure was completed later that year.
For more than 130 years, Corinth Baptist Church has been a viable and spiritually guided body of believers in downtown Union, South Carolina.
The major spiritual leaders of Corinth have been:
Rev. Sam Knuckles - original pastor
Rev. W. Gordon
Rev. John Wallace
Rev. C. Whitehead
Rev. Minabee
Rev. A. R. Robinson
Rev. J. C. Tobin
Rev. J. C. White
Rev. Phillip (1913)
Rev. J. S. Daniel (1920 - 1926)
Rev. C. H. Williams (1926 - 1928)
Rev. J. A. Bates (1929 - 1943)
Rev. M. A. Zimmerman (1944 - 1970)
Rev. Richard Sadler (1971 - 1976)
Rev. Joseph A. Bush (1977 - 1982)
Rev. J. G. Whitfield (1982 - 1985)
Rev. J. A. Calhoun (1986 - Present)
Rev. Dr. J. Archie Calhoun, who has the longest tenure as pastor, has led the strategic efforts for the growth of Corinth Baptist Church. Over the past 35 years, the following improvements have been made:
- Renovation of the church sanctuary
- Listing on the National Register of Historic Places
- Construction of a new Educational Facility and Fellowship Hall
- Establishing Corinth Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)3
- Establishing Corinth Daycare Center
- Organizing a Youth Organization
- Restructuring the Sunday School
- Establishment of Still I Rise youth outreach ministry
Corinth Baptist Church has always been at the forefront of community activities and service. It has a rich history among its members; responding to the call to serve; and, making an impact in the Union Community and beyond.
Today, Corinth is a vibrant, dedicated congregation committed to the continued growth of our ministries and outreach to the community. We are dedicated to expanding our growth opportunities while at the same time meeting the unique needs of our church family and the community.
It is the vision of Corinth Baptist Church, as she embraces all the blessings God has in store for her, to continue to lift mankind and draw those who seem to be without hope, into a glaring reality of BOUNITFUL BLESSINGS!
