Our Church Union Grove

Through thE years

As we celebrate our church’s 70’th anniversary we should take note of points of interest from our past. The church was organized in 1940 and incorporated in 1943. We would like to preserve some of the artifacts related to those points of interest to Union Grove. We are blessed to have retained a few key letters, statements and formal documents that reach back to our humble beginnings in 1940. The following historical recitation was written for our 19th church anniversary in 1959. The pastors Rev. N.S. Brown. The presenter was most likely asked to give a short talk. The notes of the presenter are copied in its original form without corrections. It will serve as the introductory page to our church history.

Union Grove descended from King Solomon Baptist Church in 940. Union Grove have had it’s ups and downs, but the members are still going strong.

Rev. Taylor was the first minister of Union Grove. The church held services at Wills Funeral Home at 2491 E. 55th street in the year 1940. Rev. Taylor helped to bring the membership

To about 350.

In 1941, Rev. Reed was called to pastor Union Grove. He remained as pastor for 2years. When the church separated, 125 members remained loyal and held the church together until the late Rev. Powell was called. Rev. Powell pastored Union Hill for 10 years. He resigned in 1954 because of ill health. Under the ministry of Rev. Powell, two properties were purchased successively or church purposes. The first to be purchased was at East 38th street. Because of increase in membership, property on 107th and Cesar was purchased. When Rev. Banks began pastoring Union Grove in 1954, there were only 100 members. Due to his wonderful preaching, the membership was increased to approximately 1,800. As the membership grow, so grow the church. The present home of Union Grove, 8932 Quincy Ave was purchased in 1955 by Rev. Banks and the members. During Rev. Banks’ pastorate our new church home was renovated inside. Radio broadcasting by remote was introduced through the facilities of W.J.M.O. These broadcast made Union Grove better known throughout the city of Cleveland. When Rev. Banks departed for another church, here was an estimated 250 membership left at Union Grove. Our emminent Rev. N.S. Brown cam to us in 1957. He is still preaching the word of God at Union Grove. Union Grove Baptist church can now be heard on the new radio station WABQ. Rev. N.S. Brown was the first minister to preach from this new station. We now have a standard membership of 200. We hope to increase this number to a thousand. Of the original members of Union Grove, six of them are still Sister Vicie Worthy, Brother Sam Heggs, and Sister Gertrude Young. I think it is wonderful to stick by a church for so many years.