The original development of "Union Churches" in the late 19th century was driven not by denominations but by local concerns - the realization by people of various denominations (Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, etc.) that to compete with each other was silly and a waste of resources; an understanding that more could be accomplished if Christians would work together than if they competed. I spent almost 8 years as minister of a congregation that had a background as a former "Local Union Church," and that background was looked upon with some degree of pride.