Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Union Baptist Church / Founders of Union Baptist Church
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 25, 2015
1. Union Baptist Church Marker (Front)
Union Baptist Church
Organized in 1869 as the Old Landmark Baptist Church by Rev. Henry McCrea and the following survivors of the slave ship, Clotilda: Pollee Allen, Rose Allen, Katie Cooper, Anna Keeby, Ossa Keeby, Josephina Lee, Peter Lee, Charles Lewis, Celia Lewis, Cudjo Lewis, Zuma Livingstone, and Clara Turner. The first pastor was Henry Watson. The Church evolved from historic Stone Street Baptist Church and was built on the location known as the Praying Ground. In 1903, it was renamed Union Baptist Church, a sanctuary was constructed in 1918 and served as the first school for Magazine Point, presently known as Africa Town. Final renovation was in 1955. The African roots continue to nourish the spirit of this community.
Founders of Union Baptist Church
American Name Original African Name Origin
Allen, Pollee Pollee/Kupollee Yoruba
Allen, Rose
Cooper, Katie Monabee/Omalabi Yoruba
Keeby, Anna
Keeby, Ossa Hausa
Lee, Josaphina
Lee, Peter Gumpa Fon
Lewis, Celia Abila/Abile Yoruba
Lewis, Charles Oloualay/Oluale Yoruba
Lewis, Cudjo Kazoola/Kossola Yoruba
Livingston, Zuma Ar-Zuma Nupe
Turner, Clara Abache Yoruba
Erected by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail of Mobile series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.
Location. 30° 43.921′ N, 88° 3.597′ W. Marker is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. Marker is at the intersection of Bay Bridge Road (Alternate U.S. 90) and Bay Bridge Cutoff Road, on the right when traveling west on Bay Bridge Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 506 Bay Bridge Road, Mobile AL 36610, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cudjoe Kazoola Lewis (here, next to this marker); Old Plateau Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Africatown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Oaklawn Cemetery (approx. 1.6 miles away); Catholic Cemetery (approx. 1.9 miles away); Gen. William C. Gorgas (approx. 1.9 miles away); Vernon Z. Crawford Law Firm (approx. 2.2 miles away); Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd / Founding Members (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mobile.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 25, 2015
2. Founders of Union Baptist Church Marker (Rear)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 25, 2015
3. Union Missionary Baptist Church
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 25, 2015
4. Union Baptist Church cornerstone
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 25, 2015
5. Church & marker area.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 25, 2015
6. Remnants of the slave ship Clotilde.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,420 times since then and 107 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 27, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
