Our story is full of devotion, dedication and hope. These are the finely-tuned ingredients needed for proven success. Records indicate the Mount Calvary Baptist Church was established in 1913 as an outgrowth of “Old Corinthian,” a church which had endured physical and fiscal difficulties. Mount Calvary was a vision of members who had the courage and foresight to unite. Charter Members:
Eva Davis
Sarah Austin
Ethel Bareman
Daisy Toms
Mattie Trundle
William Walker
Susie Golightly
Willie Allsup
Bessie Henderson
W.H. Chaney
The Reverend W. H. Chaney was Mount Calvary’s first pastor, serving until 1922. Property at Jackson Avenue and Kentucky Street was purchased for an edifice. Services had earlier been held in a four room house.
V.N. Roundtree
From 1922-1931, Rev. V. N. Roundtree was the pastor. There was a membership roster of 650.
H.H. Hubbard
Rev. H. H. Hubbard served as the church leader from 1931-1941. During his administration, the church was bricked, the second floor was rebuilt, hardwood floors were installed, ceilings and walls were painted, and two houses were purchased.
M.C.M. Harris
The first mortgage on the parsonage and the church edifice was paid off during Rev. M. C. M. Harris’s tenure: 1941-1960. The church and parsonage were completely renovated and new furniture and floors were installed. Membership continued to prosper. The present fellowship hall is named in honor of Rev. Harris.
John H. Foster
The church was pastored from 1961-1967 by Rev. John H. Foster. Emphasis was placed on intensive land acquisition in the Morningside and Dandridge area. The formulation of the Brotherhood Club, installation of a speaker system and reorganization of the music department which included purchasing choir robes, hymnals, and a baby grand piano. Office equipment and folding chairs were also added to the facility. In 1967, Rev. Foster received a call to serve from the Shiloh Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia.
W. H. Walker
Rev. W. H. Walker, a ministerial son, served as interim pastor for two years (1967-1969).
J.M. Kimble
Rev. J. M. Kimble was the pastor from 1969-1971.
Alfred D. Hill
Mount Calvary extended the pastorate to Rev. Alfred D. Hill from 1971-1976. It was under his spiritual guidance and leadership that plans were carried out to build the present facility. Through the varied organizational and administrative capabilities and resources, this dream was materialized. On November 2, 1975, the church was dedicated was steeple, which “Glory to God.”
Harold Middlebrook
From 1977-1980, Rev. Harold Middlebrook was the pastor. There was significant membership growth. Land for future development was purchased, the parking lot was paved and the bus ministry was expanded
Rev. Leroy Franklin
Rev. Leroy Franklin was called to pastor Mount Calvary in 1980. Under his capable and efficient leadership, tremendous growth has occurred. The main thrust has been of unity, fellowship, preparation, and consistency. The entire church family has found itself revitalized with great interest and enthusiasm.
The church’s mission has continued to serve and edify God through our auxiliaries and activities. Presently our ministries include but not limited to: Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Deaconess Board, Mother’s Board, Sunday School, Mission Federation, Music Department, Library, Usher Boards, Hospitality/Parking Attendants, Family Activities Committee, Girl and Boy Scouts, Nursery, Bus Ministry, Moments of Challenge Radio Broadcast, Golden Agers, Marriage Enrichment, Singles Group, Community Outreach, Men’s
On July 5, 1994, the final payment on the church was paid to Mercantile Savings Bank. A special service was held Sunday, November 20, 1994, to commemorate the “Burning of the Mortgage.”
We have been involved in many programs, projects, activities and services that are designed to meet the ever increasing and changing needs of those we serve. A purpose and vision statement has been adopted. Committees, which been established to facilitate the achievement of our purpose and vision include: Youth Development, Community Outreach, Health and Wellness, and Missionary Programs. A Youth Minister and full-time Ministers of Education and Music have been added to the church staff to ensure that these ministries are strengthened. Through our Christian Education component, Christian Family Fellowship (CFF) is a Wednesday night of fellowship and study for the total family. Two dance ministries, Due Praise and Belief, further enhance our ability to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. To further strengthen our spiritual growth, a mid day and an evening prayer services are provided each Wednesday. Each auxiliary is committed to the ideas of Christian faith, duties, responsibilities and obligations performed in a productive manner where no task is too small or too large.
The Long Range Planning Committee was established in 1995. Its charge was to identify areas of concern three to five years in the future, develop plans, and make recommendations to the church to address the areas of concern. The need for additional space was assessed and reported to the church with the recommendation that a building committee is formed. The recommendation of the Building Expansion and Renovation Committee was presented in April 1999 and we are moving forward to ensure implementation of those plans.
On February 2, 2005, Mt. Calvary contracted with Joseph Construction Company, Inc. SunTrust Bank was the lending agency of choice and Ron Nesbit was the loan officer. The building permit
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