Unity Freedom Baptist Church

Twenty-nine souls gathered in Newark, New Jersey. It was August 29th, 1971. Their meeting place was the home of Reverend Isaac Martin Jr. on Keer Avenue. Their purpose was to establish a new church. This church would become the Unity Freedom Baptist Church. Deacon Edward Howell suggested the name. The charter members agreed. Their first services were held at the Good Neighbor Baptist Church on Chancellor Avenue. After several weeks, they moved to a new location on 14th Avenue. Reverend Huff generously opened his church doors to the growing congregation. The Unity Freedom Baptist Church remained there until April 21st, 1972. Divine intervention then led them to their permanent home. They purchased their present edifice at 739 South 20th Street. The building was formerly owned by the Ukrainian Assemblies of God and Christ. Their official “Marching-In” service at Unity Freedom Baptist Church took place on April 28th, 1972. The late Reverend William S. Pierce and the Clearview congregation joined them for this celebration. Twelve years later, the congregation of Unity Freedom Baptist Church celebrated another milestone. They burned the mortgage. On December 1st, 1995, Reverend Isaac Martin Jr. passed away. He was the founder and pastor of Unity Freedom Baptist Church. He left behind a legacy of community service and spiritual guidance. His son, Reverend Cornelius Wesley Martin, now leads the Unity Freedom Baptist Church. He serves alongside his wife, First Lady Versey M. Martin. They carry on the mission and vision of the church’s founder.