Here, where we stand, is Unity Baptist Church. This church has a unique story. It’s a testament to unity and growth.
Unity Baptist Church was established in 1992. Solid Rock Baptist Church and Shiloh Baptist Church united. Reverend Walter Evans led this unification. In 1994, Reverend Anthony Simmons became interim pastor. By 1996, he was ordained and officially called as pastor.
Under Reverend Simmons’ leadership, the church experienced spiritual growth. The Brotherhood and Sisterhood departments were established. A daycare was purchased, marking a period of expansion. Reverend Simmons was reassigned by the Air Force in 1997.
In 1998, Unity Baptist Church called Reverend Harold Fields as their third pastor. His leadership brought more development. The Christian Education Department was started. A FAITH evangelist team was formed. Also a Media Department was created. Community outreach programs began. These programs partnered with Rescue Haven and the Rose Park Community Associations.
The church building itself was improved. They modified the outside and inside. A new roof was installed. New pews were added. The kitchen cabinets were remodeled. The heating and air conditioning systems were repaired.
Unity Baptist Church actively participated in outreach. They hosted missions’ teams. They engaged in the 1992 Winter Olympics outreach. They united with the Intermountain General Baptist Convention in 1998. Reverend Fields became an active member.
Reverend Harold O. Fields served Unity Baptist Church for 21 years. He graduated from The Philadelphia College of the Bible. He was licensed in 1978 and ordained in 1981. This occurred at Millennium Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
Reverend Fields served as President of the IGBC, INC. He held other convention positions. These included President of Congress of Christian Education. He was also third Vice President. Reverend Fields was active in the National Baptist Convention USA. He served as staff in the Registers Department. He also worked as a teacher.
Reverend Fields was Moderator of the Salt Lake Association. This was within the Utah Idaho Southern Baptist Convention. He pastored New Hope Baptist Church in Wyoming. He also led The Little Branch of Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
Reverend Fields retired from Salt Lake City Corporation. He was a Parking Enforcement Officer. He was a member of Local Union 104. He participated in the Community Action Team. He sat on the Mayor’s Board of Ethics and Religious Divide. He was also on the Black Advisory Board.
He is married to Sister Barbara Fields. They have a son, Rev. Ozsie R. They also have a daughter, Barbara Fields. They are blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pastor Fields was raised in Philadelphia. He united with First Corinthian Baptist Church early in life.
Unity Baptist Church offers various services. Sunday School is at 9:30 am. There is also Bible Basics at 9:30 am. Sunday Morning Worship starts at 11:00 am. A New Member Class is available on Sunday at 9:30 am. Prayer Meeting is on Wednesday at 6:30 pm. Bible Study follows on Wednesday at 7:00 pm.
Several ministries operate here. Zumba Aerobics Class meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays. The Brotherhood meets on the second Saturday. The Sisterhood also meets then. The Mission meets on the fourth Saturday. The Faith Team focuses on evangelism. They meet on the third Saturday. Ushers meet on the first Saturday. Youth gatherings are on the third Saturday. Mass Choir Rehearsal is every Thursday. Youth Choir Rehearsal is on the second Sunday.
The church welcomes new members. It aims to help everyone learn about Christ. Children’s church teaches kids about Jesus. Music is a vital part of the worship. All talents are welcome to glorify God.
Unity Baptist Church supports various missions. These include Rescue Mission and Rescue Haven. It also runs a Food Pantry. As Psalm 133:1 says: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity”. It is more than just a church. It’s a family. It is a beacon of hope.