OUR HISTORY
In the Beginning
Saints’ Delight United Church of Christ stands as a devoted congregation within the United Church of Christ (UCC), a denomination whose lineage reaches back to the arrival of the Mayflower in 1620. The UCC emerged through the historic union of four distinct traditions: the Christian Church; the Congregational Church (later the Congregational Christian Churches in 1931); the Evangelical Church; and the Reformed Church (later the Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1934). In 1957, these two resulting bodies united to form the modern United Church of Christ. Its enduring motto, “That They May All Be One,” is drawn from the Gospel of John (John 17:21) and reflects the denomination’s commitment to Christian unity.
Saints’ Delight United Church of Christ was organized in 1874 under the name White Hill Christian Church. The founding 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 and Nancy Hill White provided the first gathering place for worship at a site located one‑half mile from Royal, North Carolina. In 1889, with assistance from an official of Elon College, the congregation was formally chartered under the Christian denomination.
Our Church
In 1908, Saints’ Delight Christian Church purchased one acre of land near its present location on U.S. Highway 401 South in Louisburg, North Carolina. The property was acquired from the late Sam F. Harris for forty dollars. Over the decades, additional acreage was secured to support the church’s growth. In 2015, the North Carolina Department of Transportation obtained a significant portion of the church’s land through eminent domain for the Highway 401 widening project, a process that required the demolition of the historic sanctuary. In response, Saints’ Delight located and purchased new property near the former site and began a construction project for a new sanctuary, anticipated for completion in 2020.
During this transition, the neighboring Leah’s Chapel United Methodist Church (50 Promise Land Road, Louisburg) extended a gracious invitation for Saints’ Delight to hold worship services in its sanctuary. Although each congregation worships at separate times, both churches gather jointly for Fifth Sunday services, sharing leadership and fostering a meaningful bond of Christian unity. Through Leah’s Chapel’s hospitality and Saints’ Delight’s gratitude, a profound expression of God’s love has been demonstrated.
Under Pastor Harold Emanuel Perry’s tenure, Saints’ Delight entered a period of significant transformation where he guided the congregation through the loss of its historic sanctuary and encouraged the believers to move forward boldly, witnessing God’s providential care. The church acquired additional land near the original site for the construction of a new sanctuary. In a remarkable act of generosity, the Stephens family of Louisburg—led by the prompting of the Holy Spirit—donated a portion of their adjoining property to Saints’ Delight. The new church edifice is now located at 4123 Highway 401 South, Louisburg, North Carolina, marking a new chapter in the enduring history of Saints’ Delight and its steadfast witness to God’s faithfulness.
Our Pastors
Over its long history, Saints’ Delight has been faithfully served by the following pastors: (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 (13) Reverend Dr. Harold Emanuel Perry and presently Reverend Aaron A. White, who serves as the congregation’s fourteenth pastor.
Saints’ Delight United Church of Christ has, throughout its history, demonstrated a steadfast and compassionate commitment to its members, its surrounding community, and the wider world. Rooted in the enduring witness of the United Church of Christ, Saints’ Delight continues to embody the calling of a Spirit‑led congregation devoted to Christ and guided by faith.
