“Discovering Union Missionary Baptist Church: A Beacon of History”

Located at 508 Bay Bridge Road in Mobile, Alabama, Union Missionary Baptist Church is a cherished part of the urban landscape, located in the heart of Prichard and Africatown. Its architecture, described by the Alabama Historic Commission, features a single-story brick building with arched stained glass windows and a centered entrance beneath a projecting tower.

Since it was founded in the late 1800s to the mid-1950s, the church has been a symbol of strength and community. Built by former slaves who settled in Plateau, Alabama, it stands as a testament to their resilience and faith. Today, it remains a vital part of the Africatown community, adjacent to the Old Plateau graveyard and near the Africatown Bridge.

Union Missionary Baptist Church’s connection to the Clotilda and the broader history of slavery adds to its significance. The stories of those who worshiped here are woven into the very fabric of the land, reminding us of the strength and spirit of our ancestors.

In essence, Union Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a building; it’s a living reminder of our past and a beacon of hope for the future. 

Timeline of Union Missionary Baptist Church (Plateau, Alabama):

– 1859: Creation of a plaque commemorating the Plateau community as a historic section of Africatown.

– 1869: Reverend Henry McCary establishes Union Missionary Baptist Church, with former slaves of the Clotilda ship as founding members.

– 1903: The church changes its name to Union Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Henry Watson.

– 1918: The original structure undergoes its first remodeling.

– 1955: Reverend J.F. Keeby oversees the second remodeling of the church building.