HISTORY OF THE 2ND UNION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
(ABRIDGED)
The history of the 2nd Union Missionary Baptist Church is shared with the hope of inspiring our present and future congregations to rest assured that God always has a plan. It is our prayer that this church history demonstrates God’s faithfulness beyond our abilities to see.
The 2nd Union Missionary Baptist Church was established on December 25, 1947, under the pastorage of Reverend J.J. Tibbs. At that time, the small but faithful congregation worshipped and held meetings at 1048 McAllister Street in San Francisco, CA. Elected as the church’s inaugural pastor, Rev. Tibbs resigned in 1949, and the congregation welcomed Reverend Warren Thomas Adams, an associate minister from the First Union Baptist Church in San Francisco. At this small, but adequate location, the word of God provided the light to guide their path and the love to inspire fellowship.
The congregation quickly grew to surpass 200 members, and in 1951, moved to 1365 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco. Under the steadfast leadership of Rev. Adams and guidance from the Holy Spirit, the congregation continued to thrive by increasing membership and developing its’ mission and evangelistic programs.
As the congregation continued to expand, the Golden Gate facility became inadequate, and Second Union relocated to its present location at 749 Page Street. This location, formerly a dance and concert hall, is a lasting example of God’s faithfulness and ownership over all that we need. Second Union celebrated their new church home in a marching procession from the old location, over the hills of Steiner Street, to the building on Page Street. The community welcomed the presence of a sanctuary for worship and praise, as evidenced by the burgeoning membership from the neighboring local communities. The congregation selected the slogan “FROM A DANCE HALL TO A HOUSE OF PRAYER”. The membership roster at that time was over 600. The mortgage for 749 Page was paid off in 1980.
Rev. Adams, along with First Lady Eulalia Adams, served the congregation for 53 years, baptizing over 1500 candidates and welcoming over a thousand through Christian experience. Thirteen were called to the ministry. Second Union broadcasted every Sunday night for 41 years over KSOL and KEST Radio. In 1997, Pastor Adams suffered a stroke, and Rev. Calvin Ellison, a faithful associate minister since 1960, was unanimously voted to become the Minister in Charge. Rev. Ellison & Rev. Lavaughn Bobo forged ahead always consulting Pastor Adams and prayerfully leading the congregation with a four-phase renovation plan for the inside and outside of the building. The Lord allowed Rev. Adams to see completion of phase one and two. The Lord called His faithful servant, Rev. Dr. Warren Thomas Adams, home on June 22, 2002, after 55 years of preaching the Gospel, 53 years of pastoring Second Union, and thirteen years as Moderator of the First Northern Central Missionary Baptist Association. Our beloved Sister Eulalia Adams passed away five years later, on July 11, 2007.
A special business meeting was called on July 28, 2002, with Rev. Rance Whiteside of the Good Hope Baptist Church presiding. It was moved by Dec. J.T. Mattox and seconded by Deacon Freddie Chase that Rev. Calvin Edwin Ellison Sr. would become the pastor of Second union. The vote of the membership was unanimous. A two-day installation service culminated on Sunday, August 11, 2002. Under Pastor Ellison’s guidance and leadership, 2nd Union was able to complete many vital renovation projects and building maintenance requirements. A gentle and jovial leader, Pastor Ellison welcomed Minister Lavaughn Bobo as his associate minister. Minister Bobo, a kind and God-fearing leader whose warm humor welcomed all to Christ, was called home on October 26, 2020.
Pastor Calvin Ellison and First Lady Lois Ellison served Second Union in those capacities for 22 years with love, compassion, and humility; preaching, praying, baptizing, visiting the sick, and taking care of the church business with humility, prayerfulness, and encouragement. On September 20, 2022, Rev. Ellison transitioned to Glory. He was 91 years old.
From 2022 to 2023, the 2nd Union Family relied on prayer and faith to continue God’s work. Having been prepared by Pastor Ellison, Deacon Fernan Gordon coordinated ministers to deliver the word to 2nd Union each Sunday. Through God’s grace and the coordination and support of church families throughout the Bay Area, not one Sunday passed without the word being preached.
We are grateful to two Senior Pastors who came to counsel us and give us instructions on proper procedure for “such a time as this”. Dr. Rodney Leggett, and Dr. Michael Gilmore generously gave of their time to come and council and pray with us. Both pastors always left us with three words, “Continue to pray”.
During this time of prayer for a new leader, Rev. Damonn White came to preach, and after nine months, he answered the Master’s call to submit his résumé.
On September 3, 2023, after over a year without a leader, the 2nd Union family was blessed to vote an overwhelming “yes” to Reverend Damonn White, of Cornerstone Baptist Church, as the new Pastor-elect. On December 9th Second Union will install Pastor-elect Rev. Damonn P. White as Senior Pastor. Today, under the leadership of Pastor White, 2nd Union continues to pursue God’s directive to be a beacon of faith, hope and love throughout the community. Under the short stint of Pastor White’s leadership, we have begun a Renovation Reduction Plan, upgraded the Pastor’s Office, and held a community sock and blanket drive for the homeless and seniors in the Fillmore Community. We welcome our new pastor, First Lady Crystal, and their entire family with love and support as they begin this journey.
Our church motto, “In all they ways acknowledge Him…Proverbs 3:6” has been expanded to embody our commission to go forth and spread God’s word in this welcoming addition:
“2nd Union is a church where the PEOPLE of God are the FAMILY of God sharing the LOVE of God.”
PASTORAL TIMELINE
Pastor J. J. Tibbs 1947-1949
Pastor Dr. W.T. Adams 1949-2002
Pastor Calvin Ellison 2002-2021
Pastor Damonn White 2023-PRESENT
