Our Story

A Legacy Rooted in Faith, Growing Through Time

Since 1916 — Celebrating Over a Century of Faith, Growth, and Service

In October 1916, Reverend John Samuel Taylor—affectionately known as “The Singing Evangelist”—and his wife, Sister Marie Taylor, gathered with a faithful band of believers at 2200 Hunter Street to organize Unity Baptist Church. 

Although the historical record preserves only fragments of their personal story, the congregation's oral tradition remembers Sis. Marie as a steadfast partner in the ministry, faithfully laboring beside her husband throughout the church's formative years until the Lord called her home. 

Under Pastor Taylor's visionary leadership, strengthened by the quiet faithfulness of those who labored alongside him, the congregation grew steadily, advancing through a providential succession of worshiping places as God expanded the ministry—from East 22½ Street, to East 23rd Street, and ultimately to 2224 North Howard Street during the challenging years of the Great Depression.

On October 30, 1955, after 55 years of ministry and 40 years as pastor, Rev. Taylor entered into eternal rest.

In the closing season of Reverend Taylor's ministry, Fountain Baptist Church graciously shared the ministry of Reverend James Samuel Williams with the New Unity congregation. Following Reverend Taylor's passing, the congregation unanimously called Reverend Williams to serve as its second pastor in 1956.

In 1967, the church purchased property at its Homestead Street location. Following the later annexation of the adjoining property, the official address became 2654 Polk Street. During this season of expansion and renewal, the congregation embraced its new name — New Unity Baptist Church — marking the beginning of another chapter in its journey.

Throughout its formative years, God sustained the church through faithful members who became pillars of strength, continuity, and hope.

The Mothers of Unity:

Among them were Sisters Catherine Mosby (mother of Dea. Charles Lewis); Carol and Elaine Taylor, daughters of Pastor John Samuel and Marie Taylor; Alberta Tillery (mother-in-law of Deac. Marion Highe); Irene Williams, whose family lived in the apartment above the church on Hunter Street (she was not related to the church's second pastor); and Rosie Lee Watts Davis, who would later become First Lady Rosie Williams. Their steadfast faith, quiet sacrifice, and enduring presence helped carry the ministry from one generation to the next.

Deacon David Brown, father of the late Deacon Thelma Henderson, served as the church’s first deacon, laying a foundation of servant leadership that continues today.

Following Rev. Williams’ retirement in 1989, Reverend Elwood Francis and Sis. Marjorie Carroll, Jr. provided interim leadership.

In November 1994, Reverend Johnny Napolean Golden, Sr., alongside Reverend Wanda Nadine Allender-Golden and their two children, affectionately known as “Wink” and “Boomer,” were called to serve New Unity Baptist Church.

Under his leadership, the church embraced a renewed vision:

“The Equipping Ministry — Empowering the People of God for the Work of the Kingdom.”

Under the pastoral vision and leadership of Rev. Johnny N. Golden, Sr., New Unity Baptist Church experienced continued growth, spiritual formation, and ministry expansion through:

• The intentional cultivation of The Equipping Ministry vision — Empowering the People of God for the Work of the Kingdom
• The expansion of opportunities for women to fully serve in every area of congregational leadership. 
• During this pastorate, women were ordained to the Diaconate Ministry, affirmed and ordained into the preaching and pastoral ministry, and welcomed to serve in roles that had traditionally been reserved for men, including participation in the pulpit and the full exercise of their ministerial calling.
• The creation of intentional leadership formation pathways through structured study, preparation, spiritual formation, and mentorship
• The formation and rigorous instruction of leadership classes, including Salt Shakers, Stewards, and Deacons
• The institution of the Annual Holy Convocation Weekend
• The establishment of First Fruits Worship Sunday, a distinctive annual celebration of worship and stewardship
• The establishment of The Ephraim & Manasseh Celebration of Excellence Baccalaureate Service, celebrating education, achievement, legacy, and future generations
• A renewed emphasis on Christian education, discipleship, servant leadership, and "Equipping and Empowering believers for the work of the Kingdom"
• The development of numerous additional ministries and initiatives designed to strengthen the church, serve the surrounding community, and prepare future generations

In May 2003, under the unction and leading of the Holy Spirit, the congregation relocated to its downtown ministry center at 100 W. Franklin Street, commemorated with a joyful procession and ribbon-cutting celebration.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person worship was suspended for forty consecutive months, the faith of God's people remained steadfast. Though separated physically, the church continued to worship, pray, minister, and bear witness to the sustaining grace of God.

On February 14, 2024, New Unity Baptist Church entered its present home at

2908 Hamilton Avenue

where the ministry continues to worship, disciple, equip, and serve.

As New Unity Baptist Church moves forward, its history remains a testimony to the unfailing faithfulness of God.

With hearts full of gratitude and eyes fixed upon God's unfolding future, we joyfully confess:

"Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, neither have entered into the heart of humanity, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 

For we are His chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, called out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter2:9

** To God be the glory.**