Our Church
Loving Up, Loving In, Loving Out
Our Pastor
Pastor Jeffrey Francis was born in Ackerman, Mississippi to the proud parents of Theodis Francis and Dorothy Avant. Pastor Francis was introduced to Christ and accepted Christ as his personal Savior at a young age.
Growing up in a Christian home, Pastor Francis learned the value of worship, fellowship, the study of God's word, and communicating with God through prayer.
Pastor Francis is blessed to be married to the former Teresita Jordan and through their union they have six wonderful children: Jajuan, Shaquira, Jailyn, Jeffrey, Julian and Joshua.
A graduate from Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary with honors. Pastor Francis strives to equip himself for the work of ministry. He had the honor and pleasure to serve at First Timothy Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Frederick Douglas Newbill.
Pastor Francis has a love for God’s people, evangelizing those that are lost, and discipling those that are saved.
PASTOR C.R. MORGAN
Pastor Emeritus, Union Progressive Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. Corinthian Roosevelt Morgan was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and is the youngest of four children born to James and Idella Morgan. Pastor Morgan is a graduate of Stanton Senior High School, he attended Edward Waters College, Jacksonville Barber College, and completed three years at Luther Rice Seminary. In July 2005 he was certified in Expository preaching by the President and Board of Directors at the E. K. Bailey International Expository Preaching Conference in Dallas, Texas. He also served in the United States Army with a deployment in Germany.
In 1974, Pastor Morgan was called into the Ministry and was licensed at Sweetfield Baptist Church under the Pastorage of Rev. James Oliver. On November 5, 1976 at the age of thirty-four he humbly accepted the call to be the Pastor of Union Progressive Baptist Church in Historic Springfield. He was accompanied and supported by his late wife Dorothy Singleton Morgan, his late daughter LoLisa Morgan, and son Corinthian R. Morgan, II. In 1984, after more than eighteen years of employment by Pan American Airlines, the Lord enabled him to pastor full time. In that same year he married the former Rena Peterson White.
Pastor Morgan is known for his mentoring of young preachers and encouraging them to exercise their gift of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. The mission of Pastor Morgan has always been to enhance the Biblical learning of those entrusted to his care, and to empower God’s people for the work of the Ministry.
A debt of gratitude is owed to the many people who have poured themselves into this ministry over the years. Pastor Morgan is eternally grateful for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, for through His power he is able to continue this sacred assignment.
Pastor Morgan and his wife Rena, have two sons, Corinthian R. Morgan II (Nakkisha), and Antonio White (Sabrina). They are also blessed with six grandchildren: Jacquee (Mikelle), Donquavia, Demetrius, Nyah, Cyla, Gerald and great grandsons Abner and Asher.
OUR HISTORY
On September 8, 1920, Reverend C. C. Brown organized and became the first Pastor of Union Progressive Baptist Church. Many services and prayer meetings where held around a wooden stove and on wood floors. In 1946, under the Pastorate of Reverend J. W. Roberts, a concrete building was constructed with their own hands. Reverend W. B. Hooks became the Pastor in 1961, and under his guidance the main entrance of the church was built. The second cornerstone was laid. Reverend Hooks remained faithful until the Lord sent Reverend Steve Love to lead the church in 1966. Under his leadership, the church prospered spiritually and financially. Reverend Love served diligently until his home going in 1968. For the next six years we were under the leadership of Reverend Jake Ray Jr. Under his administration there were many accomplishments. Furniture and carpet were purchased and the land adjacent to the church was purchased for parking. In 1974, the church appointed Reverend Dennis Baker as pastor. During his two year pastorate, the foundation was laid for the dining area.
On November 6, 1976, Reverend Corinthian R. Morgan was called as pastor. Under this energetic young man’s pastorate, the church has been greatly blessed and has progressed tremendously. In every aspect, under Pastor Morgan’s leadership and teaching, the church grew both spiritually and numerically.
As a result, of Reverend Morgan’s vision, many goals and accomplishments were realized: completion of dining area and fixtures, new baptism pool, a 15 passenger van, 3 parcels of land, and a sound system was purchased.
Numerous ministries were re-organized and implemented under his leadership: Youth department, Cub scout group, Mass Choir, Women and Men’s ministry, Homework Assistance Program, Care and Inspiration Committee, Culinary, In reach/Outreach, Wellness, Youth Praise and Dance Ministry to name a few.
In 2008, the building went through a total transformation: new roof, carpet, dining area, pews, and walls. We are thankful for Pastor Morgan’s leadership, compassion, and zeal.
In January 2016, Reverend Jeffrey Francis was called as the 8th pastor of the Union Progressive Church.
