About

The beginning quote from the historical page of the 100th. Anniversary booklet of the Union Baptist Church reads, “Surely, they must have had a burning desire to build this church”.  Indeed, that desire was great.  Cambridge, Massachusetts in the last quarter of the 19th century was a bustling city for African Americans.  The end of slavery and the Civil War brought many opportunities for work for southern blacks, and with the rise of industrialization, work was plentiful in the city.  A steady stream of former slaves and sharecroppers, particularly from the Tidewater area of Virginia, came to the Boston area to fill the many domestic and service labor jobs vacated by Irish and Italian immigrants as they headed to the factories in New England.  They joined with the population of free blacks already living here to holster the economy in Cambridge with their sweat and toll.  In this, Union Baptist was born.

Union Baptist Church traces its origins to modest prayer meetings held in the basement of Mr. and Mrs. Clayborne Underwood Miller’s residence at 37 ½ Hastings Street in October 1878. These gatherings, attended by a growing number of African American residents, fueled a desire to establish a Baptist church dedicated to serving their community. As the group expanded, they relocated their meetings to the basement cellar of Mr. James Thornton’s coal dealership at the corner of Main and Clark Streets. This location provided a more spacious venue and attracted even more attendees, including many who had previously been members of Twelfth Baptist Church in Boston.

Driven by their unwavering faith and a determination to build a place of worship within their own community, the group sought guidance from Rev. Grimes, pastor of Twelfth Baptist Church. With his support, they petitioned the American Baptist Association for a charter. On April 18, 1879, their petition was granted, April 18, 1879.

In the heart of a bustling community, a group of resolute individuals embarked on a spiritual journey, seeking a place where unity and strength would prevail. Guided by an unwavering belief, they established a church that would become a beacon of faith and resilience. With a humble beginning in a coal basement, their vision took shape as they named their sanctuary ‘Union,’ symbolizing the transformative power of unity. Within three years, their congregation swelled to approximately 300 members, a testament to the magnetic allure of their message.

Under the stewardship of their first pastor, James Horatio Carter, the church embarked on a period of remarkable growth. They relocated from the confines of the coal basement to the more spacious Harmony Hall, where they could fully embrace their expanding flock. With unwavering determination, they raised sufficient funds to construct their own church building, a permanent testament to their unwavering faith. The church’s current site stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of its founders. It is a place where the principles of unity and strength continue to inspire generations of believers, reminding them that in the face of adversity, the bonds of community and faith can lead to extraordinary transformations.

Union Baptist Church has a long-standing tradition of serving its community and beyond. At its core, the church’s mission revolves around serving God, but it has consistently extended its reach to aid those in need. Throughout its history, Union Baptist has been a beacon of hope, offering coal to warm homes during harsh winters, providing food to the hungry, clothing to the distressed, and shelter to victims of natural disasters.

Beyond its immediate surroundings, Union Baptist has also played a significant role in national affairs. Its members have been actively involved in social justice movements, advocating for equality and human rights. The church has also been a supporter of education, recognizing the importance of empowering its members and the broader community. The family of Albert Scott, the first black graduate of Radcliffe College, were members of Union Baptist, and the church continues to celebrate the educational achievements of its members.

Union Baptist’s commitment to education is evident in its various initiatives and programs. The church has established scholarships and mentoring programs to support students pursuing higher education. It also provides resources and support to families, recognizing that a strong educational foundation is crucial for the well-being of the community. Through its unwavering commitment to serving God and its neighbors, Union Baptist has left an enduring legacy of compassion, empowerment, and social justice.