“Large Enough to Grow You – Small Enough Know You!” That’s not just a saying. It’s the warm embrace of Mount Calvary African Methodist Episcopal Church. Mount Calvary AME Church stands as a beacon. It ministers to the spiritual needs of all people. It spreads Christ’s gospel.
Let’s step back to 1855. A group of Christians wanted a new place to worship. Before this church existed members met in a hall. It was located in the park area of the Relief Association Hall. The building of Mount Calvary began.
In 1889 the present site was purchased. It cost $50.00. The Relief Association of Baltimore County sold it. Rev. Hammond was the pastor. James J. Smith was president. Trustees included Isaac Robinson and Lewis Chaney. James H. Garrett, Benjamin Johnson and John Wesley Smith also served. Phillip W. Meyers, Henry Mack and Alfred Black were trustees too. Emma Smith and Aaron Stewart were founders. At first, it was Mount Calvary Methodist Protestant Church of Baltimore County.
Though originally Protestant, the church sought AME preachers. A gentlemen’s agreement was struck. The AME Conference would supply preachers. Mount Calvary would handle the finances.
Tragedy struck in 1968. A fire destroyed the original sanctuary. Rev. Reginald Boston then moved the congregation. They met at the First Lutheran Church. It was on Burke Avenue in Towson. The former sanctuary was rebuilt under Rev. Boston’s leadership.
Rev. William Gray III became pastor in 1973. He led many improvements. These included central air and a new chancel. The church added property. They also built a new dining area and Sunday School room. New pews were installed. The church became debt-free.
In 1986 Rev. Gray was sent to Saint Stephens A.M.E. Church. Mount Calvary then received its first woman minister. It was Rev. Ann Farrar Lightner.
Dr. Lightner-Fuller envisioned a new sanctuary in 1991. It would also include an education building. The current sanctuary was completed in 1996. The mortgage was paid off in 2001.
In 2012 Mount Calvary finished another project. It was the new Family Life Center. This center serves as the administrative hub. It stands as a pillar of hope. It’s a beacon of light in East Towson. It restores life to families. The center hosts Bible studies and health fairs. It also has a food pantry. This is the Doris Jackson Food Pantry.
Mount Calvary AME Church is part of the Second Episcopal District. Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson leads it. Rev. Johnny R. Calhoun is the Presiding Elder. He is from the Baltimore District. The church has 11 ministers. It also has over 37 ministries.
Mount Calvary is more than a building. It’s a Christ-centered church. It equips disciples. It reaches the city with the Gospel. It connects people. It helps them grow in Jesus. Remember, it’s large enough to grow you. Yet, it’s small enough to know you.