Union Baptist Church Historical Highlights
The Union Baptist Church was founded on September 6, 1943 in the city of Vallejo, California, Chabot Terrace subdivision under the leadership of Pastor A.W. Wash. The first official church site was a lot in a sheep pasture on Old County Road. Sunday services were held in a borrowed tent until a more permanent structure was erected. In 1954, Union Baptist Church briefly relocated to the Chabot Terrace big “Store front.”
On September 9, 1955, the members moved to its building on 123 Nugent Drive, now known as “Lofas/Lakeside Historical Manor,” recognized for being the only residential subdivision constructed by Mr. B.W. Williams, an African American-owned construction company. Mr. Williams's daughter, Ms. Althea Lett, is a member of the Union Baptist Church.
With the end of World War II and the great migration of people from the southern states to California seeking profitable employment opportunities at the Bay Area Military bases, Union’s membership increased, outgrowing the 123 Nugent Drive location. On Sunday, November 23, 1969, Union burned the mortgage on 123 Nugent Drive, granting the opportunity and approval to proceed with the plans to enlarge Union’s territory on the adjacent lot where construction began on November 20, 1990. Shortly thereafter, on Sunday, June 7, 1992, the entire congregation marched to its present location at 128 Encerti Avenue, and again on Sunday, October 30, 2005, Union celebrated God’s faithfulness and was able to burn the mortgage on 128 Encerti Avenue. “To God be the glory!”
During the course of over 80 years, Union has had the contentment of being pastored by the Reverends A.R. Patterson, Solomon Nelson, J.W. Morrison, Joseph Speech, Paul Foster, Gerald Hemingway, Kemp Burley Jr., and J.W. McCoy - all godly men from very diverse backgrounds that have etched achievements for future generations to garner.
Union for 25 years under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend J.W. McCoy recognized the diversity of this neighborhood, where there are families residing from every ethnicity and income level. He challenged the Union church family to ministry outside of the “church walls” and welcomed every opportunity to meet, greet, and worship with our neighbors: “Believers Building Bridges!”
We are still embracing the mission, “For such a time as this...!” under the servant leadership of our senior pastor, the Reverend Darnell A. Manuel, who was given the vision to remodel and reopen the “Family Life Center” in August 2024, including the dedication of the “J.W. McCoy Learning Center,” to enhance community awareness and resources, changing lives toward success!