“A church of firsts,” some might call Calvary Baptist Church. Founded in 1862 Calvary Baptist Church has a rich history. It stands in Washington D.C.’s Chinatown neighborhood.
Calvary Baptist Church is affiliated with several Baptist organizations. These include American Baptist Churches USA and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The church also connects with the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America and the Alliance of Baptists. It maintains ties with the District of Columbia Baptist Convention. Calvary is also part of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists.
Notably in 2012 Calvary Baptist Church severed ties with the Southern Baptist Convention. Since 2017, the church has been led by Co-Pastors Rev. Sally Sarratt and Rev. Maria Swearingen.
Calvary Baptist Church’s sanctuary was designed by Adolf Cluss. He was a U.S.-German architect known for his work in Washington, D.C. Calvary played a key role in the founding of the Northern Baptist Convention. This organization is now known as American Baptist Churches USA. The church was also a leader in the Baptist Sunday School movement.
Calvary Baptist Church uniquely had the presidents of both American Baptists and Southern Baptists as members. Clarence Cranford served as pastor. Brooks Hays was a member of Congress from Arkansas.
Calvary Baptist Church focused on its relationship with the Latino community. It introduced bilingual services. The church partnered with a church in El Salvador. This partnership was led by Rev. Edgar Palacios.
The church has been active in immigration reform efforts. It has also supported marriage equality. In 1983, Calvary founded the Calvary Women’s Shelter. This was the first women’s homeless shelter in the Washington metropolitan area. It is now known as Calvary Women’s Services.
Several prominent figures have been members of Calvary Baptist Church. These include President Warren G. Harding. Also Brooks Hays former member of Congress. Charles Evans Hughes former Governor of New York was a member. Amos Kendall the 8th United States Postmaster General. Fred Schwengel former member of Congress from Iowa. William Shadrack Shallenberger former member of Congress from Pennsylvania.
Calvary Baptist Church continues to be a welcoming and active church. It strives to serve its community and promote important causes. It stands as a testament to faith social action and inclusivity. Calvary Baptist Church embraces diversity. It works toward justice and equality for all.