Burlington’s McKinney Church (now called Union Baptist) has stood since 1819, a sanctuary of hope and history. Recognized as the oldest active Black church in Appalachia, its members once helped more than 200 enslaved people on their journey to freedom. Generations of families have worshiped there, weaving their stories into the fabric of the community.
But this weekend, instead of hymns and hallelujahs, the church grounds became the stage for something closer to Jerry Springer: Appalachian Edition.
Deputies say it all started when “Car Trouble Dad” pulled into the lot with “New Flame” to check a tire. That should’ve been the end of it. But no—the ex, a.k.a. “Mama Drama,” rolled in with her pregnant sister “Protective Sis” and her boyfriend “Quiet Guy.”
What followed was less “Amazing Grace” and more “Amazing Grapple.” Shouting over custody schedules turned into shoving, shoving turned into slapping, and before long “New Flame” and “Mama Drama” were trading punches like boxers in a pay-per-view match.
“Protective Sis” kept yelling that she was pregnant and not to touch her—while everyone else ignored that very important detail. “Car Trouble Dad” tried to referee the chaos but admitted he may have been the reason “New Flame” hit the ground. Deputies say she asked for an ambulance once she realized the whole crew might be headed to jail.
By the time law enforcement sorted out the finger-pointing, the only thing clear was that this historic landmark had just played unwilling host to a custody clash that belonged anywhere but here.
McKinney Church has survived wars, slavery, and nearly two centuries of change. It deserved better than to end up as the backdrop for a parking-lot cage match.