CHURCH HISTORY

Calvary Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1923 at the home of Brother George Riley.  Services were held in a garage on Hardy Street in

Mt. Clemens.  There was a membership of approximately eight people working and praising God.  The first pastor called to the church was Reverend Pan.  Under his guidance, the land on Rogell was given to the congregation and the first church was built.

Pastors succeeding him were Reverend(s) Scott, Davis and Fitzgerald.  Reverend Simpson was called in 1933 and pastored the little wooden church (Calvary) on Rogell until 1937. Under his leadership, the first brick building was erected on Kentucky Street.  The church was united with the Sunday School Baptist Training Union and the Choir Union of Macomb County.  The interim between 1937 and January 1953, Calvary was pastored by Reverend Wilbur J. Pittman.  In March of 1953, Reverend William Hardy became Pastor.  Under his direction, a vestibule was added.  Three years after Reverend Hardy was pastor, Reverend Snider was elected pastor and served for six years.  In 1962, Reverend Felton Williams became Pastor.  Calvary’s membership progressed and expanded rapidly.  The Church moved to 35 North Avenue in downtown Mt. Clemens in 1970.  The Church received local and national recognition.

In June of 1976, Reverend John Lewis Sr. was installed as Pastor.  In June of 1991, Reverend John Lewis Sr. and the Calvary Congregation took on what many believed to be an impossible task, the construction of a new church building.  By the grace of God, determination, and Reverend Lewis’ leadership, the old structure was demolished and a new one was built.  The address was changed from 67 North Avenue to 67 South Bound Gratiot.

Reverend Joe E. Cole began as interim Pastor in 1997 and was installed as Pastor in January 1998.  In October of 2001, under Pastor Cole’s leadership, we achieved the goal of burning the mortgage in the tenth year.  Reverend John H. Grice Jr. was installed as Pastor in February 2013. Under Pastor Grice leadership internal & external improvements have been made. Calvary’s prayer is to continue believing and trusting in God.  Praying that we may be worthy of the many blessings that the LORD has Bestowed upon us, “For we walk by faith and Not by Sight.”