Union Baptist Church, founded on July 21, 1831, is Cincinnati’s oldest African American Baptist congregation. Fourteen devoted Christians began meeting in a Third Street home, determined to worship freely. By 1835, they built a brick church on Western Row, originally named African Union Baptist Church—later shortened to Union Baptist Church to welcome all people.

 

Union has always stood as a beacon light in Cincinnati. Throughout the 1800s, Union served as a sanctuary for those fleeing slavery, offering food, clothing, and education. Many came seeking help and stayed to receive spiritual blessings.

 

In 1895, the congregation erected a new church at Richmond and Mound Streets, later adding a debt-free annex (1924) and social service center (1950). 

 

Urban renewal in the 1960s forced Union to relocate. Through faith and perseverance, the church secured a new home on Seventh Street. Dedicated in 1971, Union stands as the only downtown church displaced by renewal to rebuild in the city core and develop a full city block, including Page Tower Apartments.

 

Seventeen pastors have shepherded Union Baptist Church throughout its long and storied history—most notably Rev. Wilbur Allen Page, who served faithfully for 66 years. Since February 7, 1988, Rev. Dr. Orlando Benjamin Yates has carried that legacy forward with visionary leadership, spiritual insight, and a heart for people. A true servant-leader, Pastor Yates is committed to "serving this present age, his calling to fulfill… and preach the Word."

 

Before his call to Union, Pastor Yates served as pastor of the historic Thankful Missionary Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia, where he demonstrated dedicated and visionary leadership.