History of the United Christian College
Between 1910 and 1914, a Department of Education was organized to devise ways and means to fund, to purchase land and to build a school. David Edwards of Faison, North Carolina was the first treasurer followed by Bishop J. D. Diggs who was elected secretary-treasury. Land was purchased in Dunn, North Carolina. However, because of the beginning of World War I, the land in Dunn was later sold.
During the years of 1920-1921, under the direction of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, the Christian training department was established at the Boynton Academic and Bible Institute. Dr Charles W. Morris was Superintendent, and Elder J. D. Diggs was Secretary.
In 1936, under a new Board of Directors, lead by Bishop G. J. Branch and Elder Adam Scott, both of Goldsboro, North Carolina, a building of 2500 capacity was erected in Goldsboro, NC. By 1944, Bible Training Classes were flourishing. With continued growth and development, the facility became Branch Memorial Tabernacle, with a building named the E. E. Craig Dormitory in 1955. It was later named the United Christian College. Under the leadership of Elder J.A. Forbes and Elder A. W. Lawson, the school continued to grow and flourish.
As early as the 1920s, Mrs. Beatrice Pearson in Columbus, Ohio instituted a similar effort with an enrollment of 60 students. This school however lasted only two years. In 1937, Mrs. Pearson, as President of the Women's Home and Foreign
Missionary Convention, once again presented to the body, plans for a school of religious education in Columbus, Ohio.
A site on East Long and 20th Street was secured on January 13, 1943. Under the direction of a Board of Advisors and the Board of Education, the school was named, the Religious Training Institute. In January 1944, the school opened with a total of 30 registered students. By 1945, a Board of Control was established to supervise and manage the institute.
The Institutes in Columbus, Ohio and Goldsboro, North Carolina became the headquarters for religious training for the United Holy Church of America, Inc. More recently educational units have been established in the many districts throughout the church. Unfortunately the unit in Columbus, Ohio at Long and 20th Street is no longer operating.