The Union Gospel Mission - Chattanooga Tennessee

Our Humble Beginnings

The Union Gospel Mission of Chattanooga Tennessee first opened its doors to the helpless, homeless and forgotten on February 5, 1950. Though this is marked as the historic day when UGM opened the doors to the men of skid row, the Lord began the work in the heart of Dr. Lee Roberson many years before.

The real beginning of the work began on January 1, 1949, Dr. Roberson was invited by S.E. Dooley to conduct services at a rooming house for transients on W. Main St. in Chattanooga, TN. For thirteen months Gospel services were held every night and many were won to Christ and others rededicated their lives to the Lord..

In January 1950 the Lord made it possible to secure the building at 1260 Market Street.

The building was a former drug store and furniture store. We remodeled the building to fit the needs of 30 men visiting our shelter and opened the doors in February 1950.

A second mission was then opened in Dalton Georgia under the direction of Mr. Frank Holmes. The first superintendent of the Chattanooga Mission was Jimmy Hodges. Each mission conducted daily services, helping hundred in need.

he pulpit at the Union Gospel Mission has been filled by many including students from Tennessee Temple University and other local churches.

Later the mission moved to its two story home on East main street. While on East main street the mission was under the direction of Evangelist Joe Shadowens and later under todays current director Rev. Jon Rector.