Sometime in the year 1887, a band of Christians assembled somewhere in Chattanooga, Tennessee to form a church. A house was acquired on the corner of twenty-fifth and long streets that was used as the meetinghouse. Sometime later the church out grew its limited quarters and they launched a building program. After many years of struggle, and hard work, the basement of the church was finished.

During this period of time Union Hill was pastored by the following: Rev. A. J. Rucker, Rev. Ferrell and Rev. J. H. Matson.

Also during this period of time the following churches grew out of Union Hill:
• Progressive Carter Street Baptist Church, now known as First Baptist of Avondale
• Greater Tabernacle Baptist

After many years of worshiping in the basement of the church, a frame structure was erected and completed. 

Rev. Alfred Egard Pierre was called on June 10, 1965 to pastor the church.

Under the leadership of Rev Pierre the following organization was established: Baptist Training Union, Deaconess Board, Calendar Committee, club system, a system for keeping financial records, Sunday School and Missionary Union.

In July 1967, the church membership was officially notified by the Tennessee Department of Highways Bureau of Right-of-Ways that a portion of the tract of land on which the church stood would be needed to improve the approach lanes to the freeway. On August 6, 1967, Rev. Pierre appointed and activated the “Long Range Planning Committee” for the purpose of gathering and compiling necessary information to guide our action pertinent to relocating our church.

On or about January 30, 1968, the property of the Olive Street Baptist Church, 1800 North Chamberlain Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee was acquired, deeds transferred, and recorded, etc. The church properties were leased to Olive Street congregation for worship while its new building was under construction, for a period not to exceed one year.

Union Hill worshiped at Howard School Auditorium during this brief time.

On September 1, 1968 the membership motored to the site of our newly acquired church and marched in. The church was dedicated on Sunday, September 29, 1968.

The Church was served by several pastors including: Rev. J. C. Smiley, Rev. R. L. Womack, Rev. L. J. Wilder, Rev P. B. Black (During Rev. Black’s tenure New Emanuel Baptist Church was formed out of Union Hill. Rev. Black parted the fellowship and formed St. John Baptist Church); Rev. C. C. Fuller was called to pastor Union Hill and was followed by Rev. R. L. Fuller (no relation to Rev. C. C. Fuller)

he church extended the call to Rev. William Henry Ryan, Jr., on February 8, 1970 On May 3, 1970, Rev. Ryan began his pastorate.

Under the leadership of Pastor Ryan, the following accrued: Remodeled and expanded sanctuary to fellowship hall, purchased two new buses, reactivated the Missionary Union, established six to seven active choirs, recorded two albums, established Junior Deacons, Boy and Girl Scouts, basketball teams, revamp the Sunday School, Revival, Tithes and Annual Days. Some additional highlights are organizing new ministries (Singles, New Generation, 21st Century, Satellites, Early Morning, Nursing Home, Music, New Life, Someone-To-Care, Finance and Budget) and etc.

The church was also incorporated with a Board of Directors formed with the Pastor as President of the Corporation. The church purchased additional property for parking. Under the leadership of Pastor Ryan, the church participates in local, regional, state and national conferences.

Rev. O. C. Davis began his tenure on October 28, 1937 and continued until his death on September 12, 1951. Under Rev. Davis leadership the church became very active in the Pilgrim Joy District, Chattanooga District Association, the South Chattanooga Union of Churches and the Tennessee State and National Conventions.

In July 2003 our dear friend, Rev. Jimmy Ingram, agreed to lead the church until a pastor was sent to us. Rev. Ingram led the entire membership to rededicate their lives to the service of God through his convicting Bible teachings.

Rev. Henry Sledge and Rev. A. L. Jarrett served as Pastor.

Samuel R. Jackson was officially called on June 4, 2005. On Sunday, July 3, 2005, Pastor Jackson took the pulpit. On Sunday, August 14, 2005, Installation Services were held.

The Church, under Pastor Jackson’s guidance, has added several new ministries, which include a separate Children’s Church and Teen Church, where children ages 4-12 and teens have their own worship service as well as Biblical training at their level, a Praise team, Hospitality Ministry, Fellowship Ministry, Beautification Ministry, and Media Ministry.

Additionally, several ministries have been revamped. For example, our Deacon Ministry has been enhanced with a focus on serving and family ministry as well as our Girl Scouts program. We have added additional deacons to assist us in these endeavors. Pastor Jackson has really made the Youth Ministry and fellowship through events such as our Annual Christmas Gala focal points for edification.

The Church has also amended its By-laws with Directors added who assist the Pastor in the administrative functions of the ministry. Pastor Jackson has placed a great emphasis on teaching, and has modified the focus of annual days, limiting their scope to where the spiritual is central to what we do as oppose to tradition. He has also added leadership and teacher training to better equip those who are serving. Moreover, the church has added computers and other Media, and has branched into Live Stream Services broadcast on Facebook, YouTube,and Twitter. The church has also purchased a new van to assist in transporting members.

In addition, The Fellowship Hall was renovated, a new roof put on, and the Sanctuary refurbished and renovated fully.

While we have come a long way with the help of the Lord, we still have a long way to go! To God be the Glory for the Things He has done!