In 1919, the late Rev. J.W. Hurse called a meeting at the St. Paul Baptist Church, 19th and Highland, Rev. N.T. Lane, Pastor, for the purpose of consolidating the Shiloh District and Progressive District Association. After a spirit filled devotional service, the meeting was declared open for business.  A motion prevailed that these districts would be consolidated.  A committee was appointed consisting of the Rev. George Hampton, Sister Minnie L. Mosley, and others.  The committee on recommendation of Sister Minnie Mosley, submitted the name.  "The Union District Association," which was accepted by the body.  Officers were elected as follows:

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Rev. J.S. Sutton,     Moderator

                 Rev. J.L. Copeland,     Vice-Moderator      

  Rev. S. McManamay,     Treasurer

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Due to the Rev. Sutton being called to the pastorate in Denver, Colorado, the Rev. L.J. Copeland became Moderator, serving one year.  The next session was held in Clinton, Missouri and because of a physical disability of the Rev. Copeland, the Rev. J.W. Hayes was elected Moderator.  Rev. Hayes was succeeded by Rev. S. McManamay and the Rev. P.A. Felder was elected as secretary.  The Rev. L.J. Copeland was elected treasurer.  The Rev. P.A. Felder succeeded Rev. S. Manamay, with Rev. Preston Allen, Sr. serving as Vice-Moderator, Sister Clara James-secretary, Sister Lucille Hampton-corresponding secretary, and the Rev. G. Hampton-treasurer.

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In 1930, the Rev. Preston Allen, Sr., Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church, was elected Moderator and served the Union District Association for 44 years.  Moderator Allen was very active and brought forth many outstanding scholarship plans and projects.  The Dunbar project which was purchased was considered as the site for the Annual District Association meetings.

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In 1974, the Rev. J.J. Woods Sr., Pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, served as Moderator for sixteen (16) years.  In 1990, the Union District established tenure of six years and Rev. Woods was succeeded by Rev. Preston Allen , Jr., the Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in 1990.  The Pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church, Rev. Mac Charles Jones succeeded Rev. Allen in 1992.  Rev. Jones organized Project 25 which provided financial assistance to member churches and/or individuals in an emergency situation.  Rev. Jones accepted the position of Executive Secretary of the National Council of Churches in New York, New York in October of 1996.  At the December Adjourn Board Meeting, Rev. Thomas F. McCormick Sr., became moderator mid-way before the Annual Session.  In August of 1997, Rev. McCormick, Pastor of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, began his tenure as Moderator of the Union District Association.  Rev. McCormick enhanced and updated both the By-Laws and Mission Statement.  Rev. Eric D. Belt, pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church began his tenure as moderator in 2004.  Rev. Belt contributed much towards the Union District Association becoming a meaningful organization.  He organized the Administrative Conference in December and the Family Conference in April.  In 2010, Rev. W.T. Bland, pastor of Rescue Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, began his service as moderator.  Rev Bland introduced the Savings Account Program for member churches. 

Our present moderator, Rev. Gregory Stevens, Pastor of Park Avenue Baptist Church, began in August 2016.  Rev. Stevens has introduced a district wide website that will provide information to many members of our district and others outside of our district in an attempt to promote greater participation, growth and development.

God has truly blessed this district with great leadership both past and present.  By working together as led by the spirit, the district will continue building the kingdom of God and becoming more equipped to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bringing people into the knowledge of His Saving Grace.