Isn’t it remarkable that Calvary Tabernacle of Detroit has roots stretching back to 1868? It started humbly. It began as a Mission Sunday School in a small building. This building once housed a grocery store on Harrison Avenue.
The school moved locations that very same year. It found a new home in a cottage on Michigan Avenue. This cottage stood near the toll gate. By the summer of 1869, the church acquired land. This land was at the southeast corner of Maybury Grand and Butternut Street.
Officially, Calvary Church was organized on October 3, 1872. The Presbytery of Detroit oversaw it. It became the sixth Presbyterian Church in the Detroit area. At its start, it had just 16 members. Construction of a church building began in 1887. It was located at the corner of Maybury Grand and Michigan.
In November 1914, an important decision was made. The Session decided to open a mission church. This mission was located at the corner of Grand River and Vicksburg. The mission used a portable wooden structure. Another church mission had used it on Gratiot Avenue. The permanent structure you see today began in October 1916. The Vicksburg addition is known as the Sutherland Memorial Building. Work began on it in October 1932. Despite the Depression, it was completed in 1939.
Several reasons prompted the move. Calvary Tabernacle of Detroit moved from Michigan Avenue to Grand River and Vicksburg. Meatpacking facilities surrounded the Michigan Avenue property. These facilities grew and encroached on church space. Also, the church saw new housing growing around Grand River and Vicksburg in 1916. This was an opportunity for the church to grow. Calvary did grow. By 1939, it had 1700 members. Pastors David Sutherland, Leslie Bectel, Frank Storch, and Raymond Swartzback led the church. Through them, the church served the neighborhood. The people supported the church.
The neighborhood began to change in the late 1950s. Over the next 35 years, the neighborhood changed. It went from white to black. The church continued to serve the community. Pastors Sven Anderson, Edward Richardson, and James Mitcham led during this time. However, membership declined. This seriously affected church finances. The building became too large for the shrinking membership. Limited finances meant only upkeep could be done.
In 1990, Calvary faced financial difficulties. Monteith Memorial announced its closure. Their pastor of over twenty years, Ray Lumley, retired. Rev. James Mitcham retired after ten years at Calvary. Rev. Raphael Francis served as pulpit supply. Later he became interim Pastor. Calvary began a self-study. Some suggested relocation. The building was too large and expensive. After discussion, the congregation agreed to relocate. But they would continue as Calvary. The building on Grand River and Vicksburg was sold.
Since September 29, 1991, Calvary Tabernacle of Detroit has been at the old Montieth Memorial building. It is on Seven Mile and Greenview. Rev. Kevin R. Johnson became the new Pastor. Membership and giving increased. Past moves by Calvary congregations were inspired by God. This move also resulted in success.
Rev. Johnson served Calvary for 24 years. He retired in 2018. Rev. Johnson continued to serve the community. He created outreach programs and connections. Rev. Dr. Gregory Emanuel Bryant joined Calvary in March 2021. He became Temporary Supply Pastor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calvary Tabernacle of Detroit stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of community service. It adapted and thrived through many changes. Its story reflects Detroit’s own resilience. It is a story of faith. It is a story of community. It is the story of Calvary Tabernacle of Detroit.