Haven’t you heard that Calvary Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith and architectural ingenuity? Founded in 1862 Calvary Baptist Church has a rich history rooted in the heart of Washington D.C. It is located in the Chinatown neighborhood.
Calvary Baptist Church is affiliated with several Baptist organizations. These include the American Baptist Churches USA and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. It also includes the Alliance of Baptists and the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. The church is also part of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention. Calvary severed ties with the Southern Baptist Convention in July 2012.
Adolf Cluss a U.S.-German architect designed Calvary’s sanctuary. Cluss also designed many other notable buildings in Washington D.C. Joseph Wildrich von Kammerhueber was his partner on the design and construction. The building’s tall spire was once a prominent landmark. A major storm weakened it in 1914 and it was removed. The steeple was restored in February 2005.
The original building was dedicated on June 3 1866. A fire gutted it during a blizzard in December 1867. Reconstruction began almost immediately. The current building was occupied in the winter of 1868 and dedicated in July 1869.
The interior has undergone extensive changes. Balconies were added on the north and south sides. A large set of organ pipes now obscures a rose window. The organ was originally placed on a rear balcony. A rose window is still visible at the eastern end.
Calvary is the founding church of the Northern Baptist Convention. This is now the American Baptist Churches USA. It was also a leading church in the Baptist Sunday School movement.
Calvary is unique for having the presidents of both American Baptists and Southern Baptists as members. Clarence Cranford was the pastor and Brooks Hays was a member of Congress.
Calvary focused on its relationship with the Latino population. Bilingual services were introduced. The church partnered with a church in El Salvador.
Calvary has been active in immigration reform efforts. It also took action in the issue of marriage equality.
In 1983 Calvary founded the Calvary Women’s Shelter. It is now Calvary Women’s Services. It was the first women’s homeless shelter in the Washington metropolitan area.
Several prominent figures have been members of Calvary. Warren G. Harding the 29th President was a member. Charles Evans Hughes former Governor of New York was a member. Amos Kendall the 8th United States Postmaster General was a member.
Since 2017 Sally Sarratt and Maria Swearingen have been the Senior Co-Pastors. Amy Butler served as pastor from 2003 to 2014. Lynn Bergfalk served from 1987 to 2000.
Calvary Baptist Church continues to be a beacon of faith in Washington D.C. It welcomes all to join in worship and service. The church strives to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Its history is a testament to its commitment to the community.