In the summer of 1886, in lower Henry County (renamed Houston County in 1903) thirty men and women gathered together and constituted the Missionary Baptist Church at Union Hill. The men of the new church busied themselves building a temporary meeting place. In a clearing near the church's present-day location, the men built a brush arbor from plentiful Longleaf Yellow Pine that covered the hearty Alabama wiregrass.

After a short time one of the church's original members donated a parcel of land for a permanent sanctuary. By the grace of God, Union Hill Baptist Church is a vital part of the Cottonwood community to this day!

(Scotty E. Kirkland)