Pioneering New Haven Pastor Martha V. Green Dies at 102

Green founded St. Mary's Unison Free Will Baptist Church in 1973 and mentored generations of female ministers.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Apostle Martha V. Green, a retired laundry worker and pioneering local faith leader who founded St. Mary's Unison Free Will Baptist Church in 1973 and mentored other female ministers over the course of more than seven decades preaching in New Haven, has died at the age of 102.

Why it matters

Green was a trailblazing figure in the New Haven community, founding her own church and serving as a mentor to many aspiring female ministers over the decades. Her passing marks the end of an era for the city's religious landscape.

The details

Green joined Pitts Chapel when she moved to New Haven in 1953 and gave her first sermon there in 1963. She went on to found St. Mary's a decade later, with the church moving locations several times before settling in Newhallville. Green continued to preach and teach Bible study classes remotely up until the end of her life.

  • Green was born on April 5, 1923 in Greenville, North Carolina.
  • Green moved to New Haven in 1953 to join her brothers who worked at the Winchester Arms plant.
  • Green gave her first sermon at Pitts Chapel in 1963.
  • Green founded St. Mary's Unison Free Will Baptist Church in 1973.
  • Green passed away on February 14, 2026 at the age of 102.

The players

Apostle Martha V. Green

A retired laundry worker and pioneering local faith leader who founded St. Mary's Unison Free Will Baptist Church in 1973 and mentored other female ministers over the course of more than seven decades preaching in New Haven.

Andrea Singleton

Green's niece and the Sunday school superintendent at St. Mary's.

Nathaniel Jones

The Sunday school superintendent, trustee, choir member, and usher board member at St. Mary's.

Sean Hardy

A relative, mentor, and spiritual guide of Green's.

Pastor Gershom Bey

The author of an official statement confirming Green's passing.

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What they’re saying

“She was a mentor to so many. She was a trailblazer.”

— Andrea Singleton, Green's niece and St. Mary's Sunday school superintendent (newhavenindependent.org)

“I knew I was home and I've been there ever since.”

— Nathaniel Jones, St. Mary's Sunday school superintendent, trustee, choir member, and usher board member (newhavenindependent.org)

“I want New Haven to remember her teaching. To remember her preaching. To remember her encouragement. To remember her spirituality. To remember her mentorship. To remember that most of all, she always wanted people to know who God was.”

— Sean Hardy, Green's relative, mentor, and spiritual guide (newhavenindependent.org)

What’s next

The St. Mary's church community will hold a memorial service to celebrate Green's life and legacy.

The takeaway

Apostle Martha V. Green's passing marks the end of an era for New Haven's religious landscape, as she was a trailblazing figure who founded her own church and mentored generations of female ministers over the course of more than seven decades of service to the community.