For years after the close of World War II, the sermons of Lee Roberson boomed out in a room at a skid row boarding house in Chattanooga. Dr. Robertson of Highland Park Baptist Church preached the good news to the commonest people. Union Gospel Mission grew out of Christian labors among these men and opened its doors in February 1950.
Salvation at skid row. The Union Gospel Mission of Chattanooga, laid out a welcome mat to the helpless, homeless and forgotten on February 5, 1050. Though this is marked as the historic day when UGM became a beacon to men on skid row, the Lord had worked in the heart of a local Baptist minister, Dr. Lee Roberson, many years before.
MEETING NEEDS FOR ALMOST 75 YEARS
Early in 1949, Dr. Robertson accepted an invitation from S.E. Dooley to conduct services at a rooming house for transients on West Main Street in Chattanooga. For 13 months gospel services were held every night and many were won to Christ while other men rededicated their lives to the Lord. A year later the Lord made it possible to secure a building at 1260 Market St., a former drug and furniture store. It was remodeled to fit the needs of 30 men sheltering there. Meanwhile, a sister mission was opened in Dalton, GA. under the direction of Frank Holmes.
MAKING CHANGES STILL TODAY
The first superintendant of the Chattanooga Mission was Jimmy Hodges. Each mission conducted daily services, helping hundreds with physical and spiritual needs. The pulpit at the Union Gospel Mission has been filled by many, including students from Tennessee Temple University and pastors from local churches. During the 1980's the mission moved to its fourth location, a two story building on East Main Street.
MAGNIFYING CHRIST ALWAYS
While there, the mission was under the direction of evangelist Joe Shadowens who began ministering there in 2003. In 2007, the Union Gospel Mission moved to its current location at the foot of Signal Mountain.