Our History

The Mount Calvary fellowship was established in 1892 under the spiritual guidance of Rev. S. L. Murray. Its first location was at the corner of Stonewall and Park Street. Then in 1895, the sturdy little white wooden frame church at the corner of Spruce and Dora Street was purchased.

During its formative years, the following ministers served as shepherds over the flock for brief periods of time: Rev. E. D. Young, Rev. Frank Lancaster, Rev. R. Leggett, Rev. J. M. Royster, Rev. D. A. Milligan and Rev. H. H. Robinson. However, in 1922, Rev. James S. Murray accepted the pastoral responsibilities and served for nine years until his death in 1931.

Following Rev. Murray, Rev. H. T. Wimberly became Pastor. He served the fellowship until 1941. Upon his departure, Rev. W. H. Holman assumed the leadership role and served as interim Pastor until Rev. William H. Hill accepted the pastorate in 1942. Under his leadership, the congregation outgrew the old wooden structure and was replaced with the red brick edifice also located at the corner of Spruce and Dora Street. Rev. Hill served as Pastor for thirty years until his illness and death in November 1972. During this transition period, Rev. Hardy Jackson served as acting Pastor.

Then on April 3, 1973, Rev. S. D. Davis accepted Mount Calvary’s call for leadership. During his nine-year tenure, many souls were saved and Mount Calvary grew immensely. One of Pastor Davis’ most significant and visionary contributions was the creation of the Scholarship Ministry. Its legacy still lives on today. In 1981, he became ill and subsequently resigned as Pastor in 1982. The Title “Pastor Emeritus” was later bestowed upon him. During this time of change, Rev. Leroy Harris became the acting Pastor.

In April 1983, Rev. Dr. John Allen Newman became the Shepherd of Mount Calvary. Pastor Newman emphasizes a holistic approach to ministry. He believes that God is concerned with the person as a whole. He is not interested in “traditional doctrine”, but teaches sound “Biblical Principles”. He will stand on these beliefs even when this stance places him in an awkward or unpopular position. Rev. Rudolph McKissick, Sr. described Dr. Newman’s leadership style in the following way: “If the issue is justice, John Newman is there, if it concerns the hungry or the poor, John Newman is there.”

During Pastor Newman’s tenure, he has created or re-vitalized the following organizations in the church: Youth Ministry, Education Ministry, Seniors’ Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Institutional Ministry, Music Ministry, Wellness Ministry, Street Ministry, Tape Ministry, Athletic Ministry, Agape Ministry, Partners Advocacy and the Marriage Ministry. In addition to these accomplishments, he has also created a Record Label, NAP Records, and has produced and recorded two CDs, “Straight Out of Brooklyn Live” and “Wounded” under this label.

God has used our Shepherd in a mighty way and under His divine guidance. The Mt. Calvary family, now called the Partners of The Sanctuary, has experienced tremendous growth. Since 2000 the ministry has relocated to our new location on Walgreen road. Our new location is comprised of over 50,000 square feet that includes our new nearly 2000 seat sanctuary, Education Wing, Multipurpose Area/Gym, Senior Citizen Center, Game and Arcade Room, Television and Music Studio, all under one roof. God has truly used our Pastor to Advance the Kingdom. Pastor Newman will continue to lead The Sanctuary at Mount Calvary to higher levels of spiritual growth.

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