BAPTIST CHURCH OF ELKRIDGE
Our History
Unity Baptist Church
Striving to Conform to the Image of Christ
In 1915, seven people, Herbert and Luvenia Brogden, Sarah Roye, Sadie Jones, Frances Simms and Pinkney and Mattie Simms formed the Christian Circle. Their early meetings were held at Bell’s Hall on Old Washington Boulevard. Rev. Robert Eubanks was the first pastor.
Land was purchased and the edifice was constructed. March 1924 the Christian Circle moved into their new church on Church Avenue. The Christian Circle became known as Unity Baptist Church. Rev. John Richardson served as the second pastor.
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In 1935, Rev. Howard William Watson, Unity’s third pastor was installed. Under his pastorate of five years the church mortgage was burned.
In 1942, Rev. James Grant, was installed as Unity’s fourth pastor. Under his leadership, the church became incorporated. The front of the church underwent structural improvements. The congregation continued to grow. New ministries were formed. After 20 years of service, Rev. Grant became ill and requested Rev. Samuel Moore, then associate minister of First Baptist Church of Guilford, to serve as acting pastor.
On December 16, 1960, Rev. Samuel Moore was installed as pastor of Unity Baptist Church. Under his administration, Unity Baptist continued to progress. Sadly, in June, 1972 and September 1975 the church suffered severe damage due to torrential rains caused by both Hurricanes Agnes and Eloise. Subsequently, the church and surrounding homes were condemned. Unity purchased one and a half acres of property on Montgomery Road in Elkridge, Maryland. Work began on the new edifice December 1976. The congregation prayerfully and thankfully marched into the new edifice as groundbreaking service was held Sunday, December 19, 1976.
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Under Rev. Moore’s pastorate, ten ministers were set apart: Rev. Kenneth Barney (pastor of New Antioch Baptist, Randallstown) Rev. Kenneth Harvard (pastor of First Baptist Church of Fairfield, Baltimore), Rev. Philip Moore, (pastor Unity Baptist Church), Rev. Alphonso Dailey, Rev. Elizabeth Dailey, Rev. Norris Dickerson, Rev. Rebecca Sommerville, Rev. Yvonne C. Fowler, Rev. David Jones and Rev. Wilhelmenia Moore.
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April 1996, Rev. Moore’s vision led Unity to the task of building an Educational Wing. Upon completion it was dedicated by the United Baptist Convention, Rev. John L. Wright, President.
In 2000, Rev. Samuel Moore announced his retirement and recommended Rev. Philip L. Moore, Sr., as Pastor. Rev. Philip Moore was accepted, appointed by the Board and installed as Pastor of Unity Baptist Church in February 2002. Rev. Moore continues to serve to this present time.