Calvary Baptist
1090 S State St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Office:
(801) 355-1025
Fax:
(801) 355-1019
History
of Our Congregation
By the 1890’s, Salt Lake City’s small
Black population had gained sufficient numbers to encourage the formation
and support of independent institutions that provided African-Americans
with the opportunity to give greater meaning to their lives. In addressing
their spiritual needs, a group of Blacks who identified themselves
as the Baptist Prayer Band, met and held worship services in their
homes. In June of 1896, Rev A. E. Reynolds announced in the
"Broad Ax" ( a Black newspaper) that a building located
in the rear of a white church was available as a place of worship
for Black Baptists. In January of 1898, Rev D. Jones arrived in Salt
Lake City from Topeka, Kansas to pastor Calvary Missionary Baptist
Church. He was replaced in 1901 by Rev J.W. Washington, an energetic
person whose leadership was instrumental in the church’s growth
during his tenure. On Sunday. Jun 29th, 1902, the pastor
and members of the congregation gave an afternoon and evening reception
at their new chapel located at 472 East Second South. In 1911, the
Eastside Baptist Church site was purchased by the Calvary congregation
from Emmanuel Baptist Church. The first services were held on February
5th at 679 East Third South locations. Rev. Allen Newman
pastored the church from 1913 to 1915.
In 1921, under the leadership of Rev. George
Hart, the Calvary Church was incorporated by the State of Utah. Between
1924 and 1954, Calvary had eight pastors. In 1951, the Articles of
Incorporation were revised and approved by the membership. The Rev.
William I. Monroe served as pastor of Calvary from 1954 to 1967. During
his tenure, the church made great strides in terms of its membership
and financial condition. On November 3, 1966 the Calvary congregation
joyfully marched from their former worship place at Third South and
Seventh East to the building presently occupied at 532 East Seventh
South. Special services culminated the activities of this day.
In 1974, Rev
France A. Davis was installed as pastor of Calvary. Pastor Davis
has served the congregation for a longer period that n any of his
predecessors. During his tenure, Calvary has continued her ongoing
mission. Rev Davis and the Calvary congregation constructed Calvary
Towers, a low income senior citizen housing complex adjacent to the
church on July 30, 1989. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church continues
to serve the spiritual and secular needs of many of Salt Lake City's
community. While predominantly African-American in membership, fellowship
is offered to anyone who seeks membership.
