1926-1953
In 1926, Reverend Walter L. Shaw, Sr. was chosen to lead the church. For a few years of his administration, he received no salary. An offering was lifted for him on one Sunday of each month. “Follow me” was his motto, and he led the way both spiritually and financially.
In 1930, the church purchased a lot at 5 Arthur Street, and Reverend Shaw put the first spade in the ground. Worship services were held in the basement of the church until 1941 when the sanctuary was built. The church mortgage was paid and burned under his leadership. In August 1953, Reverend Shaw resigned following nearly twenty-eight years of dedicated service.
In 1926, Reverend Walter L. Shaw, Sr. was chosen to lead the church. For a few years of his administration, he received no salary. An offering was lifted for him on one Sunday of each month. “Follow me” was his motto, and he led the way both spiritually and financially.
In 1930, the church purchased a lot at 5 Arthur Street, and Reverend Shaw put the first spade in the ground. Worship services were held in the basement of the church until 1941 when the sanctuary was built. The church mortgage was paid and burned under his leadership. In August 1953, Reverend Shaw resigned following nearly twenty-eight years of dedicated service.
Expanding the vision...
1953-1977
Reverend Herbert Wilkerson took charge as pastor on September 5, 1954. He was ordained by the Allegheny Baptist Association on October 9, 1954. Under his leadership, Union became chartered under the Non-Profit Corporation Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A Building Fund was established in 1961 and led to the eventual purchase of the present property on the corner of Agnes Street and Collingwood Avenue. Union celebrated its 53rd anniversary with a ground-breaking ceremony.
The following year on Sunday, February 24, 1974, the congregation held a farewell service at the “Old Homestead” and marched to 2117 Collingwood Avenue for its first worship service in the new church building. On Sunday, February 13, 1977, Reverend Wilkerson surrendered his office as pastor, and left the church with instructions and guidelines relative to selecting a new pastor.
1977-1982
After Reverend Wilkerson’s departure, the late Associate Pastor, Reverend John Tisdale, served as interim pastor. A Pulpit Committee was formed and began the search for a new pastor. Within six months, the Reverend Edmond D. Davis answered the call. Under his pastorate, Union continued to grow. Reverend Davis resigned in February 1982.
Reverend Herbert Wilkerson took charge as pastor on September 5, 1954. He was ordained by the Allegheny Baptist Association on October 9, 1954. Under his leadership, Union became chartered under the Non-Profit Corporation Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A Building Fund was established in 1961 and led to the eventual purchase of the present property on the corner of Agnes Street and Collingwood Avenue. Union celebrated its 53rd anniversary with a ground-breaking ceremony.
The following year on Sunday, February 24, 1974, the congregation held a farewell service at the “Old Homestead” and marched to 2117 Collingwood Avenue for its first worship service in the new church building. On Sunday, February 13, 1977, Reverend Wilkerson surrendered his office as pastor, and left the church with instructions and guidelines relative to selecting a new pastor.
1977-1982
After Reverend Wilkerson’s departure, the late Associate Pastor, Reverend John Tisdale, served as interim pastor. A Pulpit Committee was formed and began the search for a new pastor. Within six months, the Reverend Edmond D. Davis answered the call. Under his pastorate, Union continued to grow. Reverend Davis resigned in February 1982.
Rev. Walter L Shaw
(1926 - 1953)
Rev. Herbert Wilkerson
(1953 - 1977)
Rev. Edmond Davis
(1977 - 1982)
Rev. Maurice Doss
(1983 - 2008)
In April 2017, the church called Reverend Dr. Michael Friday to serve as its Interim Senior Pastor. Dr. Friday has been leading the congregation to evaluate its present, to reflect on its past, and to move towards its future. Under Dr. Friday’s leadership the church has commissioned a new Council of Ministries to carry out the work of the church. Dr. Friday continues to challenge the congregation to stretch beyond its comfort zone and prepare for its next permanent Senior Pastor.
Union continues to minister under the direction of new Senior Pastor, Rev. Justin D. Eidinger, Sr. Embracing our future, Union continues to revitalize and innovate all aspects of ministry. Reverend Eidinger resigned as Senior Pastor on August 7, 2020 and relocated with his family to San Diego, California. Though he was with us for only a short period of time, the congregation experienced a renewal of hope, vitality and energy. He was active in outreach and community ministry.
Union continues to minister under the direction of new Senior Pastor, Rev. Justin D. Eidinger, Sr. Embracing our future, Union continues to revitalize and innovate all aspects of ministry. Reverend Eidinger resigned as Senior Pastor on August 7, 2020 and relocated with his family to San Diego, California. Though he was with us for only a short period of time, the congregation experienced a renewal of hope, vitality and energy. He was active in outreach and community ministry.
2020 - present
Following Reverend Eidinger’s resignation, the congregation held a historic vote to appoint Reverend Jacquelyn M. Lewis to serve as Interim Senior Pastor, marking the first time this position has been held by a woman at Union Baptist Church of Swissvale.
Reverend Lewis believes that the church of Jesus should always be the epicenter of cultural, academic, and healthy living leadership as well as a hub for spiritual growth and practice.
The last several years have proven to be full of great challenges and great opportunity. The church has grappled with the impact of a global pandemic, have mourned greatly the loss of longtime friends and family members, and have learned to be a scattered yet unified church.
Following Reverend Eidinger’s resignation, the congregation held a historic vote to appoint Reverend Jacquelyn M. Lewis to serve as Interim Senior Pastor, marking the first time this position has been held by a woman at Union Baptist Church of Swissvale.
Reverend Lewis believes that the church of Jesus should always be the epicenter of cultural, academic, and healthy living leadership as well as a hub for spiritual growth and practice.
The last several years have proven to be full of great challenges and great opportunity. The church has grappled with the impact of a global pandemic, have mourned greatly the loss of longtime friends and family members, and have learned to be a scattered yet unified church.
Rev. Robert Tedder
(2009 - 2017)
Rev. Dr. Michael Friday
(2017 - 2019)
Rev. Justin Eidinger
(2019 - 2020)
