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2018-19 Church Calendar 2018-19 Church Leadership |
Our History and Vision |
In the fall of 1968, we called our first full-time pastor, Jon F. Meek, Jr., who led us into constituting the Mission as a Church on September 21, 1969. After two years, Jon Meek left to become Missions Director of the Baptist Convention of New York. Jerry Scruggs served as Interim Pastor followed by Bob Sanderson who served as Pastor for seven months in 1971.
Pastor Bill Caine served from 1971 to 1977. Under his leadership, in 1974, we began a Mission in Colts Neck, now constituted, Colts Neck Baptist Church. In 1977, we participated in "Here's Life, America," an evangelistic campaign which greatly enriched our fellowship through the harvest of new believers and training in evangelism.
Elmer Volgelsang became Pastor in 1977, and led us to a new level of discipleship and deeper commitment. Before us loomed the monumental task of building a new facility. Through "Builders for Christ," Calvary Baptist Church and 81 members of First Baptist Church, Columbus, Mississippi, erected our present worship, fellowship and education facility, in just two weeks. This "miracle" caused amazement and drew many to visit Calvary. Under Pastor Vogelsang's ministry, the Thursday Morning Women's Bible Study and monthly luncheon was begun in 1981.
Our expanded two-car garage became known as the Youth Building, where Wednesday evening Youth activities and Sunday Bible School youth classes are held. The Brick House was and is used for the Children's Department classes, Kindergarten, and also the Singles Class. The Preschool Department and remainder of the Adult classes still meet in the main building.
In July of 1982, Jon F. Meek, Jr., began serving as Interim Pastor and in February 1983, Jon Meek was called to be our Pastor for the second time. In July of 1983, Timothy R. Wommack began serving as our Minister of Education, Singles and Youth. He served for 18 months. Michael D. Walston was called as Associate Pastor/Minister of Education, in November of 1986. He served until June of 1989.
In 1987, Wednesday evening became known as Family Night. A reasonably priced dinner was served, followed by activities for all age groups: Royal Ambassadors for boys, Girls-in-Action for girls, and Mission Friends for preschool boys and girls; Youth Group Bible Study, Youthworks Drama group and God's Lovin' Hands puppeteers; and Prayer Meeting for adults.
In 1989, thirty members of CBC returned the favor to First Baptist Church (Miracle Builders) and journeyed to Columbus, Mississippi, to help FBC build their new education building.
In the fall of 1990, we purchased our baby grand piano and dedicated it to the memory of our beloved pianist, Florence Glenn, who had gone home to be with the Lord that summer. Calvary's music ministry is a generous gift of the Father to this body, one in which our members have willingly shared through solos, duets, trios, and quartets, the Choralaires (ladies ensemble), the Preschool and Children's choirs and the Praise Team.
Under Pastor Meek's leadership, Calvary sponsored four foreign language mission groups: Arabic, Korean, Philippine, and Spanish. Other mission projects supported by Calvary have included the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, the Bowery Mission, Graffiti's Free-Lunch-in-the-Park (both in New York City) and the Helping Hand Pregnancy and Post-Abortion Counseling Center in Shrewsbury (Solutions Pregnancy and Health Center).
In June of 1991, we called Pastor Melvin O. Bryant Brown II, to be our Minister of Youth and Outreach and in December of that same year, Jon Meek accepted a position with a church in North Carolina.
In 1995 Jason Brown was called to be Pastor of CBC and served until the fall of 1997.
In the spring of 1998 Steven Oswalt was called by CBC to be our Pastor and served till 2002. In the time between pastors, capable laymen and other pastors from sister churches continued to lead Calvary Baptist Church in furthering the Gospel and in spiritual maturity, notably among them was George Russ who served as interim pastor from 2002 to March, 2004 when Ken Bledsoe, our current pastor, began his ministry here.