“Welcome to Calvary Church. It has a long and rich history and is a beacon of faith in the community.”
Calvary Church has its roots in 1943, when it was organized as Calvary Baptist Church by a late Rev. Ennis L. Roberts. They began worshipping in the Logan home on the corner of Gevers and Hays Streets. The cornerstone of the current church was laid on April 4th, 1944. The church later moved to 1719 Burleson Street, where it stands today.
This place has seen a lot over the years and has been a gathering place for the community. One of the most impactful eras was under the leadership of Rev. Robert Miller, Jr., who served as pastor from 1966 to 2000, a total of 34 years. Under his guidance, the church saw significant growth and transformations. The building was completely renovated, adding classrooms and a comfortable cafeteria. The church was completely debt-free and Calvary enjoyed several choirs. The church also expanded its ministries beyond the traditional, adding new forms of worship, like a praise dance ministry, a drill team, and a computer ministry.
The church continued to grow in the 80s and 90s, with the building undergoing further renovations and adding a chapel, a nursery, and a spacious kitchen and fellowship hall. In the 90s, the chapel, kitchen, and fellowship hall all received central heating and air conditioning as well as carpeting and paneling. Pastor Miller was committed to the church and its community, as he also served in various roles in the Baptist Ministers Union of San Antonio and the Guadalupe District Association.
The church’s story continues, with the current pastor, Rev. Kevin L. Nelson, who began serving in 2001. He continues to carry on the legacy of faith, leading the church through its next phase of growth, including the purchase of 8 acres of land to build a multi-purpose center and a new church. In 2012, the church held its first worship service in the new facility, marking the continuation of its journey as a place of faith and community.
Calvary still enjoys its original location on Burleson Street, standing as a testament to the resilience and growth of the church. Today, you can see its prominent sign from several vantage points in the community, a symbolic reminder of this church’s presence and dedication to faith.