ABOUT US
Our Services
"At Calvary Baptist Church we try to use every aspect of our ministry to point to God Himself. We have a strong emphasis on expository preaching. Our music is focused on congregational involvement that is both traditional in style and enthusiastic in vibrancy. Our goal in our services is not ultimately that we would know one another better (though this may happen), but that all who meet together with us would know the creator God better. Knowing God is what we desire to be the center of all we do. John 17:3 "This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent--Jesus Christ."
Who we are
"Calvary Baptist Church is a multi-generational local church family striving to glorify God by worshipping corporately, growing personally, and making disciples of Jesus Christ. “
We Believe In…
I Thessalonians 4: 16-17.
In the bodily resurrection and judgment of unbelievers after the Millennial reign of Christ, Revelation 20: 1 1-15.
Our History
Soon after they purchased a home on Maple Street to be used for a parsonage. In 1946 Calvary held a special three day celebration of preaching and special music as they celebrated 10 years of service to God. Later that year they built an addition to the building to double its size. New ministries were added with Dial-a-Devotion and Boys Brigade. The church had another mortgage burning service in 1964. There were many improvements to the church during this time; the sanctuary was updated with paneling, new lights and a new piano. The parsonage kitchen was totally remodeled and a new furnace was installed. The membership and the offerings doubled during this time. We were able to triple our missionary giving and the Sunday School was averaging 178. The decision was made to take 35% off the top of our church offerings and use it directly for missions.In 1968 we procured a loan from the Athens National Bank for $72,000 with a 20 year mortgage and the current building on Pine Street was constructed. We sold our old church building for $1 to the Gospel Chapel on Talmadge Hill in Waverly New York. The new building was appraised at $150,000. Our Sunday School attendance that year was an average of 175. Awana had a closing program for awards with over 200 in attendance. That summer VBS had a record attendance of 169 boys and girls.In 1972 the Agnes Flood hit Athens. It destroyed the parsonage and the first floor of the church was flooded out. Our Pastor and many families had their homes destroyed. We purchased a house on Hugh Street for a new parsonage. We continued all our ministries, including Awana, during clean up and reconstruction. In 1974 we purchased the property adjacent to the church on Lily Avenue giving us space for outdoor activities and future expansion. In 1983 we had the mortgage burning for our current property. Our 20 year mortgage was paid off in less than 15 years; even with the flood damage and purchasing new properties. We bought our current parsonage next to the church and continued to make improvement to the church. We moved the nursery to the first level to make room for a handicap accessible lift, handicap bathroom and coat room. In 2011 Calvary held a three day conference to celebrate ministering to our community for 75 years. We have had 13 pastors, two youth pastors and one summer intern youth pastor. All glory, praise and honor goes to the Lord for what has been accomplished. Great is God’s faithfulness.
Our church building was stick-built in 1968. We have two levels, both of which have paved parking lots and entrances. The lower level has six classrooms, a Sunday School office, a Christian Education office, baby/toddler nursery, ladies’ and men’s restrooms, a large storage area with attached utility room, a full-sized kitchen with modern appliances and a 45 foot by 38 foot gym that doubles as dining room fellowship hall. The upper level is accessed by two separate stairways or an enclosed lift for the handicapped. This level has the Pastor’s office with a joined but separate secretary’s office. There is large handicapped accessible unisex bathroom, a large coat room, two more classrooms, a small library and the sanctuary. The 2400 square foot sanctuary has pew seating for 240 people, a sound booth and 28 foot by 15 foot platform with a baptistry. We have a new upright grand piano and a full size church organ.
The parsonage is on a double lot adjacent to the church building. It is a two-story older home, approximately1900 square foot, with upgrades and improvements. It has four bedrooms, one full and one 3/4 bathroom, large eat-in kitchen with separate dining area. And first floor laundry area with newer appliances. There is a 27 foot by 15 foot living room across the front of the house, with fully enclosed front porch, with lots of windows. New carpeting was installed throughout the house and energy efficient windows added. There is a large natural gas fireplace in the living room and central air-conditioning for the house.
Maintenance and projects for upgrading the church building and parsonage are ongoing.