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Church History

Our Beginning

The Calvary Baptist Church has been a beacon of faith, hope, love, and learning since 1921, when the church was planted from within the Leadenhall Baptist Church. Calvary served spiritual needs and reached out to the community of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. Calvary’s influence has reached throughout the nation and around the world.The trusteeship of the church was vested in the Maryland Baptist Union who suggested that the church move.

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Our Struggle

Original plans for the church property in a selected area were abandoned when racism and bigotry plagued the congregation. Services were held at other locations until a premise was secured at 562 West Biddle St. When the Great Depression came, Calvary relied heavily on her stalwart members for financial support. The church had intended to remain at the original location to serve the particular needs of the inner city, but due to the city’s redevelopment plan, Calvary was forced to seek a new location.

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Our Expansion

In 1968, Calvary purchased its present location at 3911 Garrison Boulevard, and the first service was held on April 14, 1968. The facility has undergone major renovations including a remodeled sanctuary, offices, kitchen, and dining hall, heating and air conditioning systems to name a few. We have also installed a state-of-the-art sound and media system, along with sanctuary projectors and screens.

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Our Growth

Since its origin, Calvary has been blessed with the initiation of many ministries: Vacation Bible School, music ministry, ministries for seniors, couples, men, women, youth and young adults, children, monthly prayer breakfasts, Christian Board of Education, a licensed daycare facility, drama, pre-membership care, and bereavement and grief. As a proponent of evangelism through community care, Calvary partners with outside agencies to conduct community-wide giveaways that provide back-to-school supplies, clothes, food and the like for hundreds of families.

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Our Shepherds

Calvary has been blessed throughout the years with men who have been called and ordained by God to shepherd the faithful flock. Each has had a major impact on the development of the church.

Pastor Richard T. Reed (1921 – 1946)

Pastor A. P. Townsend (1947 – 1958)

Pastor Lorenzo Graves, Jr. (1958 – 1987)

Pastor Dr. Haywood A. Robinson, III (1988 – 2004)

Pastor Dr. Stephen J. Russell, Jr. (2006 – Present)

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Our Strategy

In 2020, Calvary implemented a new strategy to ensure our ministry continues to reach future generations. Our purpose is to redeem the world, build healthy relationships and provide relevant ministry. We live out this purpose through six Strategic Directives:

  • Enhance Member Engagement

  • Create & Revitalize Ministries

  • Improve Education & Training

  • Improve Communication & Innovation

  • Establish Effective Operations

  • Establish a Strong Financial Foundation

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Mission

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 18-20)

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Our Values

As devoted members of Calvary Baptist Church, we are constantly pursuing the calling to be fully devoted followers of Christ. To build a true heaven on Earth, we live life based on the teachings of the Bible, are passionate about prayer and are grounded in spiritual accountability. If you are interested in joining our Church, please reach out. We would love for you to visit.

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