Union Ridge Baptist Church History (Circa 1868)

It has been established that Union Ridge Baptist Church was organized in 1867. The church’s first record book was destroyed in the 1940’s and information is available only from 1880. In that year, Union Ridge Baptist Church bought a half-acre of land adjoining property previously donated by Mr. George Crawford to the Salem Baptist Church. That purchase for $7.50 combined with the Salem property formed the bases for the church’s present location. The Salem Baptist and Union Ridge Baptist churches were consolidated into Union Ridge Baptist Church that same year. 
By 1880, Union Ridge was an established and functioning church and became a charter member of the Piedmont District Baptist Association organized that year. 
Because of its proximity to Albemarle Training School, Union Ridge hosted the school’s graduation exercises until 1951, which was their last graduation class. Early improvements included additions of the Pulpit, Choir Loft, Pastor’s Study, and Choir Room, but dates of these additions are not available. Records show that in 1924, the church purchased 2.9 acres of land from Alonzo and Maria Southall for a church cemetery on Hydraulic Road just south of the church. Over the ensuing years, improvements to the church building and grounds continued, with the most noteworthy being the addition of the Fellowship Hall which was completed in 1989.