The late Reverend William M. Nickerson organized Christian Unity Baptist Church after leaving the pastorate of the True Vine Missionary Baptist Church in June 1964.
Reverenced Nickerson with Mothers Maggie Foster, Francis Harris, and a few others and, with much prayer and meditation, felt that the Lord Jesus had set His approval upon establishing a Christian church. The church would be known by denomination as “Baptist” to perpetuate the ideas of Christ further and bring forth His kingdom upon the earth…and as of July 30, 1964, the church was officially organized. The founders wanted to be identified as “Christians with unity in heart and mind,” thus resulting in the name…Christian Unity Baptist Church.
Mr. Ball of Ball’s Funeral Home offered his sanctuary for weekly services, and on the following Sunday, the congregation met for worship at Ball’s Funeral Home, and many souls joined in praises to God. Every Sunday, services and weekly Mission and Prayer services were held. Soon after, God blessed the church with the property at 1375 East 105th Street after three months of continued worship services at the funeral home. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the church in 1976. However, the Lord was still with them; they could worship at the East Cleveland Community Theater on Euclid Avenue. After a short time, the church moved to East 118th Street, between Euclid and Wade Park Avenue, and remained there until moving back to East 105th Street on the opposite corner of the original building. In 1982, Reverend William Nickerson resigned to carry out a greater work for the Lord in Hartford, Connecticut.
On March 6, 1983, the late Reverend Venard Becoat was appointed pastor. During the lengthy illness of Reverend Becoat, Reverend Nathaniel Foster Jr. and Reverend Eddie Henderson stepped in to serve as interim leaders of the church until Reverend Becoat’s health declined and he was called home.
The congregation then elected Reverend Nathaniel Foster, Jr., the pastor, on March 6, 1999. Under Reverend Foster’s leadership, Reverend Terry A. Webb and the late Reverend John Gibson joined as associate ministers. Reverend Korrey Becoat also accepted his calling into ministry, and six deacons were ordained. Pastor Nathaniel Foster Jr. retired in 2014. He has always been dedicated to serving the members and all who sought his assistance. Under Pastor Foster’s fifteen years of leadership, the church was able to burn the mortgage for the current property in Maple Heights, Ohio. Pastor Foster went home to be with the LORD __________________
On January 25, 2015, Reverend Terry A. Webb was installed as the fourth pastor of Christian Unity Baptist Church. Under Reverend Webb’s leadership, the church has seen an influx of new members from the Maple Heights community. The Youth Ministry has grown in numbers. We have established a Youth weekend festival, and the youth midweek Bible study is growing. Under his pastorate, a Praise Dance Ministry and Voices of Praise were launched. There is consistent community outreach, and the church is becoming a vital commodity in Maple Heights. Also, CUBC now gives out school supplies to youth and families in the community through the women’s ministry. CUBC has participated in the city’s Christmas lighting ceremony.
CUBC has assisted with revitalizing a community park and hosting a monthly youth feeding program in the summer on Thursday, the 4th Thursday, at 6:30 PM. Pastor Webb is leading us through the pandemic, which is now believed to be endemic. Under Dr. Webb’s leadership, the city awarded the church a Garden Site on Libby Road and Dunham. The church has expanded its territory and owns most of the adjacent property. Dr. Webb has also led the charge in updating the church’s sound system and technology by developing an internet presence for Sunday morning worship and Wednesday night Bible Study during the Pandemic Shutdown. CUBC is now on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Equally, CUBC provides for the needs of 4-needy families in the Maple Heights community every Thanksgiving and Christmas. As well as conducting in-person worship every Sunday @ 11:00 AM.
CUB is blessed to have still two charter members, Mother Reola Nickerson and Mother Jimmie Fuller.
We are the church:
“Where the Light of Christ is Bright”