Ready to uncover a story of faith and community? We are standing before Calvary Baptist Church. This church has a rich history rooted in Chicago’s vibrant past.
Calvary Baptist Church began humbly in October 1930. Five adults and four children gathered in Rev. R.B. Dixson’s home on Vine Street. They were Rev. Robert B. Dixson, Rev. Marion Mitchell, Rev. Edward Rogers, Sis. Estella Dixson and Bro. Henry Jackson. The children were Sis. Ernestine Dixson, Bro. John Tobias Dixson, Sis. Bobbie Dixson, and Bro. Gordon Dixson.
The small group grew quickly. By December 1930, they met at a rental property on Larrabee Street. Rev. Ebenezer B. Dixson, Pastor Robert B. Dixson’s father, preached the first sermon.
In February 1931, Rev. J.A. Wimberly officially organized the group into a church. Thirty-two members chose the name “Calvary Baptist Church”. Sis. Ernestine Dixson suggested the name. Rev. Robert B. Dixon was elected Pastor. The first officers included Deacons Joe Green, Jerry Lee, and Henry Jackson. Sis. Minnie Rogers was Missionary President and Rev. Marion Mitchell was Sunday School Superintendent.
That spring, Calvary Baptist Church held its first revival. Rev. Samuel Russell served as evangelist. Five candidates were baptized on Mother’s Day. They were Sis. Bernice Jefferson, Sis. Ernestine Dixson, Bro. John T. Dixson, Bro. Howard Harrison and Sis. Inez Harrison.
From 1933 to 1935, Calvary Baptist Church held services on West Division. Conditions became unsatisfactory there. The church moved to Hudson and Locus Streets, sharing space with Cumberland Presbyterian Church. During this time, Calvary joined the Antioch Baptist Association.
From 1941 to 1946, services took place on West Oak Street in a leased property. In 1945, Calvary Baptist Church purchased a building at 221 W. Oak Street. It was a renovated print shop. Dedication services were held in November 1946.
After Pastor Dixson’s death in 1962, Rev. Andrew Mitchell became Minister-in-Charge. Rev. John Graham assisted him. Six months later, Rev. Mitchell also passed away. In February 1962, Rev. Luther Hicks was elected Pastor. He left in 1963. Rev. John Graham then served as Minister-in-Charge until Rev. C.R. Phillips was elected Pastor in 1964.
Under Pastor Phillips’ leadership, Calvary planned a new church home on Chicago’s South Side. In 1967, land was purchased at 100th and Michigan Avenue. In 1968, the Oak Street building was sold. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in July 1969.
From May 1969 to June 1970, Calvary held services at Mt. Messiah Baptist Church. The congregation decided not to build at that time. Instead, Calvary purchased a former Jewish Synagogue on South Jeffery in 1970. The mortgage was paid off within six years.
In 1971, Pastor Phillips formed a Building Fund Committee. Land was purchased at 8247 South Jeffery. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in October 1981. Construction began in April 1982.
On February 16, 1984, Calvary Baptist Church marched to its current location. Mayor Harold Washington was a guest speaker. In 1988, the mortgage was burned.
Pastor Phillips’ vision continued with the C.R. Phillips Daycare Center and Calvary’s Children’s Church. The Calvary Cultural Center Annex followed with a food pantry and clothing ministry. In 1995, a building project added offices, a library, a banquet hall, a daycare, and classrooms. Pastor Phillips passed away in 2005.
In 2006, Rev. E.N. Jennings, Jr. became Pastor. In 2008, Rev. Dr. James R. Flint, Jr. became Calvary’s current Pastor. He brought a renewed spirit.
Today, Calvary Baptist Church looks to the future. It continues to serve its community. The church fulfills its destiny. It moves forward with faith and purpose.
Calvary Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It exemplifies community. The church enriches the lives of those it touches.