Reverend Kelvin D. Ellison, Sr. | Pastor was a native of St. Louis, Missouri. He was a graduate of Dunbar Elementary School and Beaumont High School, where he excelled in football and baseball. He was married to Tina Ellison for 36 years and was the proud father of 6 children and 8 grandchildren. 

Reverend Ellison was called into the gospel ministry in 1981 to preach and was licensed in March 1982. He was ordained in August 1984 under the leadership of Reverend Dr. E. Stanley Howlett of True Light Missionary Baptist Church.

Reverend Ellison served as para pastor of True Light Missionary Baptist Church from 1984 to 1985. He then moved on to serve as an associate minister of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Seanes Boyce from 1985 to 1986. 

Reverend Ellison moved with his family to the Washington, D. C. area where he united with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and served as assistant pastor from 1986 to 1996. Upon returning to St. Louis, He united with Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Courtney A. Jones, where he served as assistant pastor from 1996 to 1999.

In April 1999, Reverend Ellison was called to pastor Union Baptist Church of Alton, IL. Of which is the oldest African American church in the State of Illinois at 188 years old. Under his leadership, the church has grown spiritually as well as physically. In 2006, he started an extension school of Faith Bible Institute where 14 students enrolled of which he, too, was a part of. In 2009, all 14 students graduated with a diploma in Biblical Studies.  

Pastor Ellison served as president of the Alton Interdenominational Alliance and was  the Region 1 Pastoral Liaison of the Wood River Baptist District Association of Illinois, which is the oldest standing African American Association to date.

Pastor Ellison was a powerful communicator who was regularly sought out to preach, teach, and lecture at churches across the country and within the Wood River Baptist District Association.

Pastor Ellison was in the gospel ministry for over 45 years,  and lived  by the motto:

“I didn’t write it, but I have been commissioned to teach it.”

He also lived by the motto:

“If you ever need me, call me and if you don’t believe me, try me.”

In his parting words, Pastor Ellison would often say:

“I love you and there is nothing you can do about it!”

Pastor Ellison was truly a very special person to the Historic Union Baptist Church family and the community he loved and served. The Lord saw it fit to call our angel home on May 30, 2025. He is greatly missed by all who loved him and had the privilege to know him personally as family and call him friend. His legacy will live for generations through each and every life he touched. 

Rest well, Pastor Ellison, until we meet again! We love you always!