Saints’ Delight is a local congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a denomination that traces its history to the landing of the Mayflower in 1620. The UCC ascends from the merger of four separate denominations, the Christian Church, the Congregational Church (becoming the Congregational Christian Church in 1931), the Evangelical Church and the Reformed Church (becoming the Evangelical Reformed Church in 1934). In 1957, the resulting two denominations joined to become the United Church of Christ. Its motto, “That They May All Be One” is based on the gospel of John (John 17:21). (https://www.ucc.org/about-us_what-is-the-united-church-of).

Saints’ Delight United Church of Christ was organized in 1874 under the name “White Hill Christian Church.” Organizing members included Ferry White and Nancy Hill White, Reverend John Clifton, Transberry Clifton, Charlotte Hartsfield, Allen Perry, Jenny Perry, Mac Ruffin and Miraha Ruffin. Ferry White and Nancy Hill White provided a place for the believers to worship

at a site located one-half mile from Royal, North Carolina. In 1889, with the assistance of an official from Elon College, the church was chartered under the Christian denomination.

Pastors who have served Saints’ Delight United Church of Christ are the following: (1) Reverend Lim Ruffin, (2) Reverend Robert McKinny, (3) Reverend W.L. Watson, (4) Reverend S. Stroud, (5) Reverend Dought, (6) Reverend W. D. Jefferies, (7) Reverend Joseph D. Hill, (8) Reverend George Latham, (9) Reverend William Land, (10) Reverend Joseph Lovelace, (11) Reverend Dr. Ronald Elliott Morris, (12) Reverend Maurice Laha White, and presently, Saints’ Delight is blessed to worship God under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Harold Emanuel Perry as our 13th Pastor.

In 1908, the Saints’ Delight Christian Church purchased one acre of land near its present site on US 401 Hwy South in Louisburg, North Carolina. The land was bought from the late Sam F. Harris for forty dollars. Throughout the years, more acreage was acquired. In 2015, by eminent domain, the North Carolina Department of Transportation acquired a significant portion of the church’s property for a Highway 401 widening project. The procedure required that the historic church sanctuary be demolished. Since then, Saints’ Delight has located and acquired property near the former church and has been undergoing a new church construction project to be completed in 2020. During the transition process, concerned members of a neighboring church, Leah’s Chapel United Methodist Church (50 Promise Land Road, Louisburg), reached out to Saints’ Delight UCC and invited members to hold worship services at Leah’s. Although each church shares the same sanctuary at different times, on each 5th Sunday Service the two churches worship together, sharing leadership. The two churches from two denominations have developed a loving Christian unity. God’s power has manifested beautifully through Leah’s lovingly opened hearts and Saints’ Delights’ gracious appreciation.

Pastor Perry compassionately helped the Saints’ Delight congregation mourn the loss of its historic sanctuary and led the body of believers to boldly step out on faith and watch God perform miracles. The church purchased additional land to build a new sanctuary near the original church. God granted Saints’ Delight favor; for by a move of the Holy Spirit, the Stephens family of Louisburg donated Saints’ Delight a portion of their land which adjourned the church’s new property. With Pastor Perry’s leadership, the new church structure is being built at 4123 HWY 401 South, Louisburg, NC. Pastor Perry is leading the church through many planning and work

sessions to help manage the building process. He organized the Leadership Team and Construction Project Team which are comprised of all church officers and interested lay members. He urges every member to accept a job in the building process and he encourages each member to be a vocal and financial participant.

Saints’ Delight UCC is a compassionate Church that cares deeply for its members, the community and the world. In past years, Saints’ Delight has been involved in nursing home service ministry, food baskets for those in need, a summer nutrition program for children, addiction seminars, weekly foodbank, youth activities and various involvement with social and human rights activities. The Church is actively planning for new ministries to reach out to the local community and take place at the new church. Pastor Perry has developed a church website which can be found at sducc.dudaone.com. Pastor Harold Perry established the church’s Wednesday Night Phone Prayer Line which is open to the worldwide community. He firmly welcomes all people at Saints’ Delight UCC. Reverend Perry keeps the vision alive as we plan together to use our church to serve God and to serve the community and he accepts to challenge to make sure all is well. The church thanks God for this Man of God.