Jerry Reynolds

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Our beloved former pastor, mentor, and friend Elder Jerry Reynolds finished his race on October 20, 2024.

Brother Reynolds served as Old Union's pastor 1984-1995. Even his coming to Old Union from Missouri broadened the horizons of God's people in the area, as many weren't aware that sound churches existed outside of the Kentucky/Tennessee region. His continued influence carried forward this spirit of expansion as we extended arms of mission works in Alaska, Oregon, and California. His interest and devotion to spreading the gospel also brought Old Union into contact with God's people as far away as Russia.

As pastor, Brother Reynolds also filled the role of moderator of the Ministers School. During his time in that role, the Ministers School expanded to include the Missions Conference, which continues to bring knowledge and awareness of mission works both close to home and across the globe. Prior to his time as pastor, he travelled from West Virginia to preach a sermon at Old Union in a Wednesday night service during the 1975 session of the Ministers School. Perhaps most notably, though, he served as a valued teacher, presenting 31 lessons from 1982-2021.

Other works dear to Brother Reynolds’ heart included serving with others to open Old Union School in 1996, encouraging the first meetings of the Student Fellowship of Old Time Baptists on WKU's campus in 1995 (still attending many of these meetings until near the end of his life), and the mission work which is still ongoing in Coban, Guatemala.

His preaching, teaching, and power in prayer shaped us at Old Union in ways that are still felt to this day. His willingness to build meaningful relationships, taking people under his wing, loving people in good times and bad, and facing difficulty with an unyielding desire to do right are all ways in which his influence reverberates through our church family.

The full extent of what Brother Reynolds means to Old Union is difficult to put into words. We praise God for how He has used this man in His service and thank Him that our lives were interwoven with his for a season.