The History Of Mount Calvary Baptist Church
The history of Mount Calvary Baptist Church is a 143-year record of the tremendous struggles, phenomenal achievements, and Christian efforts of men, women, and children whose primary purpose was and continues to be the glorification of God. It is a chronicle that began with three men: Rev. Charlie Dunn, Bro. John Easley, and Bro. Samuel Lumpkin, who founded the Mount Calvary Baptist Church on the second Sunday in September, 1881.
Rev. Dunn became the first pastor and served in that capacity during the thirty-two years prior to his death. During those tough but successful times, the church building was located on the corner of Augusta Ave. and Poplar St. but collapsed in a terrible winter storm in 1900. Under Rev. Dunn's leadership, the church moved to Wrightsboro Road and Chestnut Street. It grew both spiritually and financially: 118 members were baptized, many others joined by Christian experience and watch care. Sixteen deacons were also ordained.
After Rev. Dunn's death, several ministers led the congregation for relatively short periods. From 1913 to 1915, Rev. Jack Lawson served as pastor. In 1916, Rev. Kit Jones took the reins. During his tenure, the old church building was torn down and a new one was erected. Ten people joined the church and one deacon was ordained. In 1919, Rev. Elmore succeeded Rev. Jones, serving for only six months. In 1920, Rev. E. A. Moss, a great spiritual singer and gospel preacher, became the next pastor. Under his pastorate, the congregation grew to the point of requiring a new church building. During his six years as pastor, plans were set in motion to build a larger church, and funds were raised for this purpose. Rev. Moss resigned in 1926. On February 11, 1927, Rev. Norris Walker was called to pastor the church. During his one-year administration, the church was again destroyed (this time by fire) and was rebuilt with the proceeds raised earlier by Rev. Moss.
On July 17,1928, Dea. Lorenza Dowell, Chairman of the Board of Deacons, requested a called meeting of the church and asked for another pastor. Rev. Moss readily accepted and returned to Mount Calvary. Rev. Moss made his most distinctive mark between 1926 and 1957. During these years, representing nearly a 37-year pastorate, tremendous progress occurred. Many clubs and organizations were revitalized, including the following: Sunday School, BTU, Junior Mission, Sunbeam Circle, Senior Savings Club, Junior Savings Club, Junior Chorus, Young People's Chorus, Senior Choir, Usher and Usherette Board, CYA Board/CPA Club, Club #1, Club #3, Club #4, Club #8, Deaconess Board, Senior Mission, and a Deacon Board of 20 members.
Under the leadership of Rev. Moss, the church building was remodeled several times from wood to stucco and from stucco to brick. A balcony was also constructed. The church also purchased a new heating system, pews, a Hammond organ, electric fans, and a pulpit suite (bought by the Usher Board and Club #1). One of Rev. Moss's greatest dreams was to construct an annex to the church building, which would include an auditorium, Sunday School rooms, and a kitchen. Rev. Moss did not live to see his dream realized; he was called from labor to reward on April 22, 1957. However, the Board of Deacons and the newly-organized Trustee Board completed the job. On Sunday, January 19, 1958, the E.A. Moss Education Building was dedicated.
On April 4, 1958, Rev. Boyd B. Cantrell was called to pastor the church. He served for two years, from 1958 to 1960. Prior to his resignation, Rev. Cantrell facilitated many changes and improvements. Among them were: redecorating the entire church and installing water fountains in the E.A. Moss Annex.
Rev. F. H. Hart, another great leader, assumed the pastorate on October 6, 1961. The church made significant advancements during his pastorate. Over 275 members joined the ranks. In addition to the aforementioned organizations, the following were added: Parents Council, YWA (a missionary group), and the F.H. Hart Male Chorus. The Boy Scouts organization was also reinstated. Thousands of dollars were raised, and the debt for redecorating the church was paid off. The church office obtained a new typewriter and mimeograph machine. The main sanctuary was recarpeted and the pastor's study was refurnished.
The church also purchased baptismal robes and Baptist Standard Hymnals. The mid-sixties brought other physical changes: installation of a new air conditioning/heating system (Jan. 1964); new floor covering in the main sanctuary, the pastor's study, and the E.A. Moss Annex (1965); air conditioning for the E.A. Moss Annex and the purchase of Chestnut St. property (1967). Rev. Hart served faithfully until his death on June 3, 1972.
On January 17, 1973, Rev. Dr. Clyde Hill, Sr. was called as Pastor and was installed on April 8, 1973. He immediately began to shape an active evangelistic agenda that was the heart of his ministry concerned about Christian education and outreach. Rev. Hill's far-reaching efforts prompted phenomenal growth in membership and spiritual maturation over the years. From 1973 to 1985, the church's membership increased from approximately 750 to thousands, resulting in the need for two Sunday Morning Services.
The congregation’s extensive growth necessitated a larger edifice to accommodate the membership. On September 18, 1980, the new church model was unveiled and on September 14, 1984, the church broke ground for its new 23,500 sq. ft. structure. On February 23, 1986, Rev. Hill's dream of a new church was realized when he led hundreds of members and well-wishers from the old church to the new one at 1260 Wrightsboro Road. The Grand Opening Service was aired on WKZK radio station and included a sermon by Rev. Hill entitled "The Door Is Open." Rev. Dr. Cameron Alexander, pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church, North Atlanta, GA, conducted the official dedicatory service on March 2, 1986.
More than 60 organizations, ministries and programs were launched or restored during Rev. Hill’s leadership, with no age group or topic being untouched. A few of the many ministries and organizations initiated include the Birth month Building Fellowship Groups, Senior Citizens Ministry, Children and Youth Ministry, Marriage and Family Enrichment Ministry, Male Outreach Ministry, Medical Unit Ministry, Cancer Support Ministry, Scholarship Ministry, Employment Ministry and Pastor’s Aide Council on Evangelism (P.A.C.E.). Christian education programs and activities such as Church-in-Training (Bible Study), New Member Orientation, Vacation Bible School, January Bible Study, Soul Winning Workshops and others assisted in carrying out the church's mission. To memorialize the matriarchs and patriarchs of Mount Calvary, the following memorials were established: Silas Norman, Sr. Memorial Library, Lillie Mae Davis Administrative Office, Corrie Walker Eason Memorial Nursery, E. M. Golden Music Hall, and the Pauline Lewis Memorial Activity Room. In addition to the internal activities and events which touch the lives of Mount Calvary’s members, the church’s outreach programs, such as the Christmas for the Masses, help extend our efforts in reaching the masses.
Mount Calvary has experienced extraordinary prosperity. During Rev. Hill’s tenure, the church made many purchases, to include two church vans and a church marquee. Systematic business practices were implemented to enhance upkeep and efficiency, and technological and maintenance equipment were obtained. The church strategically purchased several parcels of land in the surrounding community. The church has bought properties on Turpin Street, Wrightsboro Road, Mill Street, Chestnut Street, and Conklin Avenue. Other assets acquired include properties on C. S. Hamilton Way (which was later sold), Chestnut Street and Forest Street which were donated to the church.
Several ministers and deacons were ordained and licensed under Rev. Hill's leadership providing Mount Calvary with "sons and daughters of the house" and a thriving Deacons Ministry. A total of eight ordained ministers and eight licensed ministers formed the Ministerial Alliance Fellowship Group. Sacred ordination ceremonies were held on August 31, 1975 for the first seven ordained deacons under Rev. Hill’s leadership. Ten years later, twelve more deacons were ordained on September 8, 1985, and on Sunday, September 4, 2011, ordination services were held for thirteen additional deacons.
On Monday, July 19, 2021, the City of Augusta held a signage unveiling ceremony for the honorary street naming of Chestnut Street to Rev. Dr. Clyde Hill, Sr. Way. This was done to honor Pastor Hill for his legacy of service and leadership to the church, community and the city as a whole. On Sunday, February 27, 2022, our beloved Pastor Hill retired after 49 years of dedicated, faithful, inspirational service and leadership to Mount Calvary. He was our longest serving pastor and was granted the honor of Pastor Emeritus.
From March 2022 until December 2023, the Deacons Ministry, the Sons and Daughters of Mount Calvary, the Church Administrator and supporting staff and ministry leaders faithfully served in the absence of a Senior Pastor. Their faithfulness, tenacity, prayers and wisdom held us together through one of our toughest times. After much prayer, counsel and a nationwide search, God sent us a vibrant, energetic and enthusiastic pastor in the person of Rev. Dr. Christopher C. Armstrong. He was installed as the tenth pastor on March 3, 2024. He continues to pursue the vision of his predecessors. His preaching, teaching, passion and concern for the church and community at large are what we have prayed for in this season.
Mount Calvary's past is glorious; its present is noteworthy; its future is challenging. By God’s grace, Mount Calvary is destined for more dynamic years. It does not yet appear what Mount Calvary shall become as we continue to "Go, Teach, Baptize, and Disciple."
