“Hot meals and warm hugs” is more than just a saying here. Union Missionary Baptist Church stands before you. It embodies a spirit of community outreach. This church nourishes not only souls but also bodies.
Union Missionary Baptist Church was organized December 20 1969. Twenty-three charter members formed it. Their faith in God and vision were the driving force. The organizational meeting occurred at Community First Baptist Church. The late Dr. F.N. Marshburn directed it. Rev. C.C. Cyphers was the first pastor.
The church first met at the Eighth Street Community Center. Soon it outgrew this space. On March 15 1970 Union Missionary Baptist Church moved to Elizabeth Chapel C.M.E. Church. This was located on Tenth Street. Continued growth necessitated a permanent site. On August 2 1970 Union Missionary Baptist Church acquired property. The address was 910 E. Ledbetter Drive.
Rev. Cyphers served until May 27 1974. Ill health led to his departure. Rev. C. Elmer Dews became Interim Pastor. On August 6 1974 Rev. Dews was called as Pastor. Under his leadership eleven deacons were ordained.
In September 1976 Rev. C.H. Dorsey began serving as Pastor. He remained in this role until October 1986.
November 1986 saw Rev. Charles C. Martin Sr. appointed Interim Pastor. In December 1986 he was called to lead Union Missionary Baptist Church. Under his guidance numerous new ministries emerged. Existing ministries were also strengthened. His preaching teaching and spiritual counseling led to significant growth. Church membership grew from 150 to 525. In August 1993 the church acquired land. A non-member donated it inspired by Pastor Martin’s preaching.
Union Missionary Baptist Church underwent many changes in 1994. The parking lot was extended. This allowed safer exits from the church parking lot. The church purchased a two-room house. It served as additional classroom space.
On November 21 1994 Union Missionary Baptist Church adopted a motto. That motto is “A Church United in Christian Love Fulfilling the Great Commission”. John 13:35 and Matthew 28:19-20 serve as the scriptural basis.
The Church affiliated with the Dallas Baptist Association in 1998. In 1998 the members voted to relocate. A site was selected in 1999. On February 14 2000 the church purchased property. The address is 3410 South Polk Street. The church moved into the renovated facility on April 23 2000.
In 2002 Union Missionary Baptist Church started the Union Community Development Corporation. It operates under the name “Vital Impact”. This corporation oversees the “U” CAN and Vision FoodShare programs. “U” CAN improves literacy skills. Vision FoodShare allows individuals to purchase groceries for $25. The store value is between $45 and $55.
Currently The Union Church is purchasing the Kiest & Polk Daycare Center. It will be renamed “Union Christian Academy”. The daycare center is located next door at 3312 S. Polk Street.
Dr. Charles Martin is the Senior Pastor. His late wife Dr. Earlene Martin was the Co-Pastor. Dr. Martin led the church to its current facility in April 2000. It can accommodate 850 members per service. His preaching is powerful and Bible-based.
Union Missionary Baptist Church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a beacon of hope. It offers hot meals warm hugs and a path to a better life for many. The church provides food clothing and English classes. These are for the Spanish-speaking community. Union Missionary Baptist Church tries to walk the walk.