By Billy Patterson
Calvary Baptist Reporter
It’s an exciting time for a local congregation as they finalize plans to celebrate their 100th anniversary of sharing the gospel in Freestone County.
Calvary Baptist Church will begin the special celebration Sunday, April 30th, by providing a noon meal for any in the community who would like to be a part of this historic milestone. Immediately following the meal, a special service will be held in the sanctuary to commemorate the rich history of the church which began in 1917. Also planned is numerous special music presentations and both live and recorded testimonies from church members concerning the impact Calvary has had on their lives. Numerous past articles and photographs will be available for members and visitors to enjoy.
Calvary was organized in 1917 and began worship services in the old Robinson building which is located where Hometown Pharmacy is now. Later the congregation moved their worship service to the First Baptist Church building on alternating Sundays, as most churches only met once or twice a month in those days. In 1922, the church moved services to the district courtroom in the Freestone County Courthouse until 1924. On February 1st of that year, F.E. Hill, Jr. and wife Emma, who were charter members of Calvary, donated a piece of property to the church at the corner of Main and Hall Street, where Calvary has been located ever since. Throughout the past 100 years, this Missionary Baptist Association church has progressed through numerous rebuilds and additions, resulting in the current structure today.
Those believed to have been charter members of the church include R.R. and Elizabeth Childs, F.E. Hill, Sr. and wife Laura, F.E Hill, Jr. and wife Emma, Mrs. Sally Herndon, Mr. and Mrs. S.V. Ivy, George Henry Wyatt Vestal, Rufus Ivy, J.G. and Lottie Manahan, Emily Day, Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Wooldridge, Ruth Parker, Jim Miles and C.D. Ivy. There may have been others but few records have ever been found of Calvary’s history from 1917 to 1934.
Calvary’s first pastor was John T. Luper who served one year. Other pastors, who served in progression, were J.W. Overall, H.L. McKissack, J.F. Stanley, James M. Morgan, H.L. McKissack (2nd time to serve), J.P. Jones (Calvary’s first full-time pastor), Richard R. Anderson, D.D. Morgan, George Conn, Jimmy Henry, Jack McDaniel, Dale Leggett, Norman Burks, Donald Pruitt, Dr. Edwin Crank and Tommy Hall.
On May 2, 1993, Terry Skinner was called as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church and began his pastorate on June 6, 1993 and still serves as the church pastor today. He is the longest serving pastor in the church’s history. Currently, Shelby Race is Music and Education Director, Devin DiGuilio is Youth Minister, Gene Chavers is treasurer, and Charlotte Mullen serves as the church’s secretary and clerk.
Calvary’s current active deacon body consists of Marvin Mullen (chairman), Larry Davis, Clois ‘Buddy’ Mullen, Mark Chavers, Jerry Don McLeod, Tommy Miller, Gary Stephenson, Curtis Red, Elton Moore, Dennis Lane, Jerry Sheppard, Wesley Keeney, Joe Wren, Michael Wren and Daniel Phillips. Inactive deacons are Glendale Black, George Patterson, Purvis Black and Bill McGirk.
“This is a tremendous achievement for Calvary and truly a blessing from God that we continue to provide sound, biblical teachings of His Word in Freestone County”, pastor Terry Skinner stated. “We look forward to sharing this anniversary with all who desire to be a part of this special day and look forward to continue growing His kingdom the next 100 years.”
Calvary is located at 220 East Main in Fairfield. Everyone is welcome to attend the morning worship service Sunday morning which begins at 10:45 am. For more information pertaining to Calvary, go to www.calvaryfairfield.com.
