Union Baptist Church (Cincinnati, Ohio) facts for kids

The Union Baptist Church is the oldest Black church in Cincinnati, Ohio. It has a long and important history, starting in the early 1800s. The church has been a central place for the Black community in Cincinnati for many years.

The Church's Beginnings

The Union Baptist Church was started on July 14, 1831. Its first meeting was held in a building on Third Street in downtown Cincinnati. This was between Elm and Plum Streets.

The church members soon built their own church building. It was located on Central Avenue. They chose Reverend David Leroy Nickens from Chillicothe, Ohio to be their first pastor.

Growing and Moving

The church grew quickly in its first ten years. By 1839, they needed a bigger building. They moved to a new spot on Baker Street. The church stayed at this location for twenty-five years.

Many different pastors led the church over the years. Reverend Charles Satchell took over in 1838. Later, William P. Newman became the pastor in 1848.

Challenges and Changes

In 1850, a law called the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed. This law made it harder for Black people to be free. Because of this law, William Newman had to leave and went to Canada.

Other pastors then led the church. These included Reverend Henry Adams, Reverend H. L. Simpson, and Reverend H. H. White. William Newman returned to the church in 1864. He served again until he passed away in 1866 during a sickness called a cholera epidemic. Reverend Simpson then returned to lead the church until 1869.

Union Baptist Cemetery

In 1864, the church members started the Union Baptist Cemetery. This cemetery is in the Price Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati. It is the oldest Baptist African-American cemetery in the city.

Moving to a New Home

In the 1960s, the city made changes to the area where the church was located. This was part of a plan called urban renewal. Because of this, the church had to move from its longtime home at Richmond and Mound Streets.

In 1971, the church moved to its current location at Seventh & Central Avenues. This move happened under the leadership of Reverend Wilber Page. He was a pastor at the church for a long time. The Union Baptist Church continues to be an active and important part of the Cincinnati community today.