820 East Main Street
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Last updated on November 21, 2024
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Deacon Egbert Carter, from Albemarle County, saw the need for a Baptist church on the east side of Waynesboro. Shiloah Baptist Church was the only Baptist church for African Americans on the west side of town. The Union Baptist Church was organized in 1892. Under their first pastor, Rev. Benjamin Gray, the church purchased an old schoolhouse in 1902 for $350. As the church grew, members sought a larger place of worship. In 1904, the present church was built under Rev. Hughes. In 1974, the church was set back due to the widening of an intersection, and a Fellowship Hall was added. In 1937, the Union Male Chorus was formed by Deacon Yager Mason at the Union Baptist Church and included members from eight churches. The choir was one of Virginia's oldest singing groups, performed several concerts for events, and held an annual recital.
