Greater Mt. Calvary M.B.Church

In 1916, a peculiar beginning unfolded for Greater Mt. Calvary M.B.Church. Reverend W.P. Whitfield, guided by the Holy Spirit, stopped at an old store on Lynch and Poindexter Street in Jackson, Mississippi. The store housed a pressing shop and a gambling room. It was here that Whitfield felt compelled to establish a church. He rented the store for a mere 50 cents a month and, with the help of Rev. B.N. Monroe, held a three-week revival. Eighty-three souls joined the newly formed Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Greater Mt. Calvary M.B.Church elected Whitfield as its first pastor. The church’s initial leaders included deacons A.P. Henry, Willis Andrews, John Bernard, and Lee Brown, the church’s first treasurer. John Lowe served as secretary, Mrs. Francis Henry as mission president, Mrs. Ida Clay as musician, Willis Andrews as Sunday School Superintendent, and Plam Cage as trustee. Greater Mt. Calvary M.B.Church purchased the store and the adjacent lot, later acquiring another house and lot. They then purchased a church building from the Presbyterian Congregation on West Capitol Street. This building was dismantled and reconstructed at the Lynch Street location. In 1956, construction began at the Lynch Street site. Rev. Whitfield, whose leadership spanned forty years, saw the birth of numerous ministries and organizations. These included the Church School, Baptist Training Union, Usher Board, Missionary Society, and various choirs. After Rev. Whitfield’s retirement and subsequent passing, Rev. S.H. Jones became the second pastor of Greater Mt. Calvary M.B.Church. He led the church through seven years of significant financial growth, eliminating its debt. Rev. Jones oversaw renovations to the sanctuary and kitchen, and purchased a Hammond organ, a sound system, and a neon sign. He also left funds for an air conditioning unit. Following Rev. Jones’s death, interim ministers served until Rev. John E. Cameron, Sr. took the helm in 1970. Under Rev. Cameron’s leadership, Greater Mt. Calvary M.B.Church increased its worship services and welcomed students from Jackson State University. In 1975, Greater Mt. Calvary M.B.Church moved to its current location on Robinson Street and adopted its current name. The church acquired a fellowship hall and adjacent property. In 1982, the cornerstone was laid at the Robinson Street location. Rev. Cameron’s tenure saw the church’s continued growth and the establishment of a radio and television ministry. In 2000, a $1.3 million Family Life Center was constructed, housing various community programs. Greater Mt. Calvary M.B.Church has been recognized as both a City of Jackson Landmark and a Mississippi Historical Landmark. From its humble beginnings, Greater Mt. Calvary M.B.Church continues to fulfill its mission, guided by the motto, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”