BAPTIST CHURCH OF ELKRIDGE
Our History
Unity Baptist Church
Striving to Conform to the Image of Christ
In 1915, seven people, Herbert and Luvenia Brogden, Sarah Roye, Sadie Jones, Frances Simms and Pinkney and Mattie Simms formed the Christian Circle. Their early meetings were held at Bell’s Hall on Old Washington Boulevard. Rev. Robert Eubanks was the first pastor.
Land was purchased and the edifice was constructed. March 1924 the Christian Circle moved into their new church on Church Avenue. The Christian Circle became known as Unity Baptist Church. Rev. John Richardson served as the second pastor.
In 1935, Rev. Howard William Watson, Unity’s third pastor was installed. Under his pastorate of five years the church mortgage was burned.
In 1942, Rev. James Grant, was installed as Unity’s fourth pastor. Under his leadership, the church became incorporated. The front of the church underwent structural improvements. The congregation continued to grow. New ministries were formed. After 20 years of service, Rev. Grant became ill and requested Rev. Samuel Moore, then associate minister of First Baptist Church of Guilford, to serve as acting pastor.
On December 16, 1960, Rev. Samuel Moore was installed as pastor of Unity Baptist Church. Under his administration, Unity Baptist continued to progress. Sadly, in June, 1972 and September 1975 the church suffered severe damage due to torrential rains caused by both Hurricanes Agnes and Eloise. Subsequently, the church and surrounding homes were condemned. Unity purchased one and a half acres of property on Montgomery Road in Elkridge, Maryland. Work began on the new edifice December 1976. The congregation prayerfully and thankfully marched into the new edifice as groundbreaking service was held Sunday, December 19, 1976.
Under Rev. Moore’s pastorate, ten ministers were set apart: Rev. Kenneth Barney (pastor of New Antioch Baptist, Randallstown) Rev. Kenneth Harvard (pastor of First Baptist Church of Fairfield, Baltimore), Rev. Philip Moore, (pastor Unity Baptist Church), Rev. Alphonso Dailey, Rev. Elizabeth Dailey, Rev. Norris Dickerson, Rev. Rebecca Sommerville, Rev. Yvonne C. Fowler, Rev. David Jones and Rev. Wilhelmenia Moore.
April 1996, Rev. Moore’s vision led Unity to the task of building an Educational Wing. Upon completion it was dedicated by the United Baptist Convention, Rev. John L. Wright, President.
In 2000, Rev. Samuel Moore announced his retirement and warmly recommended Rev. Philip L. Moore, Sr. as his successor. Embraced and appointed by the Board, Rev. Philip Moore was formally installed as the Pastor of Unity Baptist Church in February 2002, marking the beginning of a profound spiritual chapter for the congregation.
A veteran of the U.S. Armed Services who served with distinction in the Vietnam War, Rev. Moore brought a disciplined, dedicated, and courageous spirit to his pastoral leadership. His administration was deeply defined by a commitment to both spiritual depth and academic preparation. As a proud graduate of the Baltimore School of the Bible and the Baptist Missionary Convention Seminary, he passionately fostered a culture of biblical proficiency, ensuring that church leadership and the congregation alike were thoroughly equipped to serve.
Under his guidance, the core mission of Unity Baptist focused heavily on a "vision to restore families." Rev. Moore worked tirelessly to motivate church leaders, inspiring them to reach out and lift one another up in communal support. He labored beautifully in ministry alongside his wife, Rev. Wilhelmenia Moore, a partnership that further anchored the church’s focus on family and spiritual unity.
Throughout his decades of leadership, Rev. Moore remained a humble servant, always deflecting praise to reflect on the providential will of God that allowed the ministry to flourish. He faithfully led Unity Baptist Church until his passing on August 30, 2024. Characterized by a "charged faith" and an enduring heart for all of God's people, Rev. Moore's tenure leaves behind a rich legacy of devotion, leadership, and unconditional service that will inspire generations to come.