Our Church History
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Union Run Baptist Church traces its roots to the years following the Civil War, when the Rev. Robert Hughes (1821–1895) and other freedmen established what was first known as Union Branch Baptist Church. For formerly enslaved African Americans, spiritual life was a source of strength, identity, and hope. Establishing churches and building communities became essential expressions of freedom and faith.
In 1867, Thomas Jefferson Randolph of Edgehill deeded one acre of land to the church’s deacons, providing a permanent home for worship and community gathering. The congregation later purchased the Limestone Church building and re‑erected it on this site, where it also served as a school for local families. From its earliest days, Union Run became a cornerstone of the community — a place of prayer, education, fellowship, and unity.
Rev. Hughes faithfully pastored the church for three decades and was laid to rest in the churchyard, which remains the final resting place for hundreds of community members. His legacy of devotion, leadership, and spiritual strength continues to shape Union Run Baptist Church today.
Our Pastor
Rev. Drs. Rickey E. & Natalie J. White
Rev. Dr. Rickey E. White serves Union Run Baptist Church with a joyful and devoted shepherd’s heart—loving God’s people, preaching the Word with power, teaching with clarity, and leading with a spirit of humility and grace. His ministry shines with compassion, wisdom, and a deep passion for helping every believer grow stronger in their walk with Christ. At Union Run, we celebrate life as one united family, bound together by God’s love and filled with His Holy Spirit. With hearts overflowing, we lift our voices in triumphant praise, declaring, “Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus!” as we rejoice in the blessings of life, the freedom we have in Christ, and the unending joy of worshiping our God with gladness.
Our Ministry
Union Run Baptist Church is a fellowship of believers devoted to ministries that uplift our church and community through teaching, fellowship, and service. We gather in unity, encouraging one another in love and good works, honoring God’s call to assemble faithfully as the day draws near (Hebrews 10:24–25).
We believe the Bible is God’s Holy Word and stand firm in the truth of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16–17). We are committed to prayer, fellowship, and living lives rooted in God’s truth. We believe that salvation comes through repentance and confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9–10).
Our mission is to share the Gospel with all people, fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). We pray that every worship experience brings transformation, renewal, and spiritual growth.
We faithfully observe the sacred ordinances of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper, honoring Christ’s commands with reverence and devotion.
Service Times
Visit Union Run Baptist Church
Location
Union Run Baptist Church
3220 Keswick Rd.
Keswick, VA 22947
Upcoming Events
37th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration
Join us as we celebrate 37 years of faithful leadership, love, and service from Rev. Drs. Rickey E. & Natalie J. White. We welcome Pastor Bruce Jones, his choir, and congregation from First Baptist Church in Louisa as our honored guests.
Date: Sunday, September 13 at 2:30 PM
Location: Union Run Baptist Church, Keswick, VA
Lunch will be served after morning worship.