HISTORY OF FIRST CALVARY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

As it is with many churches, the seeds that brought forth First Calvary Baptist Church were sewn by a group of hard working dedicated men and women who shared a vision. We here at First Calvary would like to share briefly the record of our conception.

In the year of our Lord 1925 A.D., the late Deacons Jack Calvin Carter, Sam Q. Hargrove, and Reverend Ivory D. Tyson began plans for what is now First Calvary Baptist Church. In December of 1927, the group met to discuss plans as to when and how to organize. They decided to wait until the spring of 1928 in order to increase finances. The first person to contribute to this cause was Mrs. Camilla Weems who was a Home Demonstrator of Liberty County. She gave 25 cents which was considered quite generous in the 20's. The land for the church was sold to the newly formed group for the sum of $5.00 by Deacon Jack Carter.

In the month of April on Saturday preceding the second Sunday in the year 1928, a bush harbor was built. The church today is almost in the exact location. After the bush harbor was built, the first persons to meet were Rev. Ivory D. Tyson, Sam Q. Hargrove, Oakie Mae Quarterman, Lawrence Quarterman, and Truie Williams. At this meeting, plans were made to build a church. On the second Sunday afternoon in June, 1928, First Calvary Baptist Church was organized as a member of the Tattnall Association under the leadership of its moderator, Rev. Sampsom Walker. At that time, Rev. Ivory D. Tyson was pastor of First Calvary.

Rev. Thomas J. Lynch was called to pastor our church in 1930. It was under his pastorate that we were able to increase our membership and send delegates to the Association. In August of 1932, our church was totally destroyed by fire. Realizing the difficulty we were now facing, Bethel A.M.E. opened her doors for which we will forever be grateful.

The Association did much to help us in rebuilding our church. By March of 1933, with the help of God, members, and friends, we were able to rebuild our church.

Probably the next most significant period in the history of First Calvary occurred in January of 1938, when Rev. Ester James Junior was called to pastor our church. Early during his pastorate, the expansion of Fort Stewart caused Jerusalem Baptist Church to be displaced. The decision of her membership to join our ranks strengthened us financially and spiritually.

Under the leadership of Rev. Junior, many goals were set and accomplished including the construction of our old sanctuary which now serves as our fellowship hall. While rebuilding, Mount Zion Baptist Church opened her doors to our church and we are truly thankful. This facility was dedicated on March 9, 1969. Rev. Ester James Junior served First Calvary Baptist Church until his death on October 12, 1978. He had served faithfully for 40 years.

On December 9, 1979, Dr. Wesley Gaines Griffin was called to pastor our church. He brought us spiritual comfort and leadership. Under his leadership, cushioned pews were purchased and a new speaker system was installed.
In 1984, a building was purchased which was to serve as our fellowship hall. On March 16, 1986, Inaugural Service for Third Sunday Worship Service was held.Rev. Robert Cox preached the Inaugural Service.

On April 5, 1987, Inaugural Service for First Sunday Worship Service was held. The sermon was preached by Rev. Cox. Many changes occurred during Rev. Griffin's ministry with us.

On April 24, 1988, Rev. Sinclair L. Thorne was called to pastor our church. Under the leadership of Rev. Thorne, First Calvary has been blessed. We have grown spiritually, financially and membership has increased greatly. Many new auxiliaries have been organized and an active Bible study is held every Wednesday night.

During the month of August 1990, many of our service members were deployed to Saudi Arabia, including our pastor, Rev. Throne. Thanks be to God, our services were never interrupted. In spite of heavy hearts, we were able to continue our services under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Charles Adams and Rev. Elee Brown, to whom we will forever be grateful.

In March of 1991, Desert Storm was over--"Praise Be to God"--and the servicemen and women began to return home. On March 24, 1991, Rev. Sinclair Thorne returned home to his family and First Calvary.

On March 31, 1991, Inaugural Service for Fifth Sunday Worship Service was held. The sermon was preached by none other than our own Rev. Thorne. In April 1991, all of our servicemen and women had returned home to us and to God we indeed give the Glory. Also in 1991, the land adjacent to First Calvary was purchased.

In 1993, First Calvary began having Prayer Service every Friday evening and Youth Bible Study every Saturday.

On October 30, 1994, the Ground Breaking Ceremony for our New Sanctuary was held. The following members made history when they turned over the soil: Rev. Sinclair L. Thorne, Pastor, Dea. Ridgeway Smith, Chairman of Deacon Board, Bro. Earl Williams, Jr., young member, and Sis. Lillie Mae Fabian, older member.

The new sanctuary was completed on August 15, 1995. On January 11, 1996, Pastor Thorne announced that the dedication of the new sanctuary would be April 28, 1996 at 5:00 p.m. The installation of carpet and pews was completed on March 16, 1996.

On April 28, 1996, the dedication service of our present sanctuary was held. The ribbon was cut by Sis. Shirley Washington, the eldest member of First Calvary. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. Fer-Rell M. Malone, Sr. of Americus, Georgia.

On October 25, 2006, a house and land at 324 Pearl Lane was purchased.

In November of 1997 the Music Ministry of First Calvary was established. The ministry consisted of Sis. Yvonne Cook, Bro. Darryl McCollum, Sis. LaSheaWilliams, and Sis. Monina Cook.

On February 1, 1998 the SWAT Team (Saints With A Testimony) and Nurses Ministry were established. The SWAT Team consisted of Dea. Larry Jones as president, Dea. Reginald Brooks, Sis. Deloise Thorne, Sis. Josephine White, Sis. Elouise Banks,
Sis.LaShea Williams, Sis. Jeannie Anderson, Sis. Sarah Hagood, and Sis. Alice Taylor. The nurses ministry consisted of Sis. Lanetha Beatty and Sis. Kim Williams.

In 1999, an Outreach Ministry began at the Nursing Home with a service being held each Sunday Morning.

In addition to Beginners Bible Study and Advance Bible Study being held every Wednesday, beginning July 5, 1999 a daily bible study was held.

On July 5, 1999, 5:00 a.m. prayer begin each day.

In July 1999, the church began a transportation ministry which is primarily responsible for providing transportation for the elderly and disabled to worship service.

On December 10, 2000, the Ridgeway Smith Christian Life Center was dedicated to the memory of Deacon Ridgeway Smith whose life was committed to Christ. He loved and cared for his church, pastor, members of his ward, fellow deacons and the entire First Calvary Baptist Church Family.

On October 28, 2001, the Clothing Ministry House on Pearl Lane was dedicated.

In 2002 Minister Training began on Saturdays for members who had received their calling. The Liberty Park Outreach Ministry was begun.

In September 2002, Friday night worship services began. Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. service also began in September 2002.

On December 22, 2002, the church mortgage was burned during the 11:00 a.m. service.

In 2002, Saints with a Testimony (SWAT) was realigned as Evangelism Explosion (EE). Evangelism Explosion training enables the leaders of our church to teach the members to help fulfill our church vision of Reaching the lost, Teaching the found, Making Disciples Who are Heaven Bound. The first Evangelism Explosion class of First Calvary, taught by Dea. John P. Johnson, graduated May 11, 2003.

On Sunday, July 27, 2003, pulpit furniture and lights were dedicated during the seventy-fifth church anniversary.

In July 2004, renovation of the fellowship hall was completed.

In 2006, a drug and alcohol ministry was started. In that same year on April 20, the house and land at 410 Rebecca Street was purchased. On May 15, new carpet was installed in the church and on June 4, two apartments at 304 Rebecca Street were purchased.

In 2007 land on Folker Road was purchased. A church van and 27 passenger bus was purchased on July 20, 2007. On October 19, land behind the church was purchased.

On October 2, 2008 additional land behind the church was purchased. A house and land at 308 Rebecca Street was purchased on December 2, 2008.

On May 4, 2009, land at 104 W. Mills Avenue was purchased.

​In 2010 additional property and land was purchased at 324 Pearl Lane and 110 W. Mills Street. On April 8, 2011 the church gained an additional parcel of land on Pearl Lane.

​On October 28, 2013, the rear parking lot was paved.

​On November 24, 2013, First Calvary launched the Lifestyle Stewardship Capital Campaign to assist in building a Educational/Administration Building.

​On May 3, 2015, Inaugural Service for First Calvary's Spanish Ministry was held at 4:00 p.m. Rev. Rafael Lopez preached the sermon.

​On July 26, 2015, the mortgage was burned for property of future Educational/Administration Building location.

Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Sinclair L. Thorne, First Calvary has continued to grow. In looking ahead, it is our hope and prayer that under God's grace First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church will reach new and higher heights as we continue to serve the Lord.