The Legacy of New Unity Baptist Church
Celebrating Over a Century of Faith, Growth, and Service

In October 1916, Reverend John Samuel Taylor, affectionately known as “The Singing Evangelist,” gathered at 2200 Hunter Street to organize Unity Baptist Church. Under Rev. Taylor’s visionary leadership, the congregation grew steadily, moving first to the 400 block of East 22nd ½ Street, then to the former Ebenezer Baptist Church at 400 block of East 23rd Street, and eventually to 2224 N. Howard Street (formerly Oak Street) during the challenging Depression years.

On October 30, 1955, after 55 years of ministry and 40 years as pastor, Rev. Taylor transitioned to his eternal rest. A year later, Reverend James Samuel Williams was unanimously elected as the church’s second pastor. Under Rev. Williams’ dynamic leadership and alongside his wife, “Sis. Pearl” Wilmore-Stevenson-Williams, the church experienced spiritual, numerical, and financial growth, relocating several times to accommodate its expanding congregation. In 1967, the church purchased property at 2654 Polk Street, adopting the name New Unity Baptist Church to mark a new era.

The legacy of growth continued with dedicated members such as Sisters Catherine Mosby, Elaine Taylor, Alberta Tillery, Irene Williams, and Rosie Lee Watts Davis, who remained pillars of faith through decades of change. Deacon David Brown, the father of Deacon Thelma Henderson, served as the church’s first deacon.

Upon Rev. Williams’ retirement in 1989, Reverend Elwood Francis Carroll, Jr. briefly led the church until Reverend Johnny Napolean Golden, Sr., along with his wife, Reverend Wanda Nadine Golden, and their children, Keenya Joy and Johnny Jr. (“Boomer”), were called to serve in November 1994. Rev. Golden’s leadership ushered in a new focus on “Equipping and Empowering the People of God for the Work of the Kingdom.”

Under the unction of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Golden led the church to its downtown location at 100 W. Franklin Street in May 2003, culminating in a grand procession and ribbon-cutting celebration. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited in-person worship for 40 consecutive months, the congregation’s faith remained unwavering. On February 14, 2024, New Unity moved to its current home at 2908 Hamilton Ave., Baltimore, MD 21214, where it continues to gather in worship and service each Sunday morning.

As New Unity Baptist Church moves forward, its rich history and enduring legacy serve as a testament to God’s faithfulness. With hearts full of praise and eyes fixed on the future, we proclaim: “Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard” all that God has prepared for this chosen, royal, holy, and peculiar people, called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

To God be the glory!