“We preach Christ crucified.” Those powerful words once graced the doors of Calvary Baptist Church.
Today we stand before Calvary Gospel Church. Its history is deeply rooted in New York City. It reflects a commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church embraces diversity. This reflects its global outlook.
Calvary’s story began in 1847. It started as Hope Chapel. This was a small branch of Stanton Street Baptist Church in lower Manhattan. The church quickly moved twice on Broadway. It changed its name. In 1854 it settled on W. 23rd Street. It became Calvary Baptist. A.D. Gillette led the church. He was a beloved national Baptist leader.
As New York City grew Calvary decided to move uptown in 1883. They moved to W. 57th Street. A building was constructed. Time Magazine called it the “most expensive Baptist church in America.” Pastor Robert S. MacArthur stressed the building’s message. He put “We preach Christ crucified” above the doors.
This scripture moved to a new building. It was on the same site in 1930. This building housed a hotel-church complex. It served worship and mission activities for 90 years.
Calvary innovated to reach the city and the world. MacArthur started open-air tent revivals in the 19th century. He raised money for international missions. In 1923 John Roach Straton built the first church-owned radio station. “Tell It From Calvary” broadcast worldwide for almost a century.
Calvary hosted the 1957 Billy Graham evangelistic meetings at Madison Square Garden. Stephen Olford became senior pastor in 1959. He was Billy Graham’s close friend. Olford experimented with television ministry. In 1971 he launched New York School of the Bible. Dr. Joseph Macaulay was its first dean.
Calvary’s pulpit ministry continued with pastors Donald Hubbard, James Rose and David Epstein. The church is redeveloping its 57th Street property. It will have an enlarged modern facility for the 21st century. Senior Pastor Abraham Joseph continues the church’s mission. His exhortation is “Go Tell It, Calvary!”
Calvary Baptist Church expresses love and grace. It offers forgiveness and care. This is shaped by the good news of Jesus. John 13:35 guides them. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” This is the community’s calling.
Calvary became one of the first churches to operate its own radio station in 1923. “Tell It From Calvary” is still produced weekly. It airs on WMCA.
Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton have worshipped at Calvary. Billy Graham and Billy Sunday have preached here.
In early 2020 Calvary Baptist Church and the Salisbury Hotel closed. The Gothic Revival building was to be demolished. A new office building with space for the church was planned. Demolition began in 2022 after a COVID-19 delay. Calvary gathered at Hunter College during renovation.
Today Calvary Gospel Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope in the heart of New York City. Its story continues. It evolves with the times. Its message remains the same.