“Trust God even when you can’t trace God.” These words resonate deeply here at 1st Mount Calvary M.B. Church. This church has a story of faith, perseverance, and community.
Welcome to 1st Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. It is a place where history and hope intertwine. The story of 1st Mount Calvary begins in 1951. A small group of nine faithful members gathered. They met in the home of Brother and Sister Woods. Their address was 4510 S. Forestville Avenue.
In January 1952, the church purchased its first building. It was located at 4501 S. Princeton Avenue. Rev. J.P. Sloane became their first pastor. He served from 1952 to 1955. In 1955, Rev. Joseph E. Pilot took over until 1957. Rev. Samuel M. Hart from Memphis, Tennessee then led the church.
Under Rev. Hart’s leadership, the church grew. The congregation needed a larger space. In 1960, 1st Mount Calvary moved to its current location. The address is 6111 South Kenwood Avenue. Previously, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints owned the building. Rev. Hart continued to serve until his death in 1985.
The church remained united. Rev. John Hooks, the Deacon Board, and faithful members kept it so. In 1986, Rev. Franklin W. Williams became the pastor. During his time, the church produced its first recording. It was titled “Thank You Jesus For My Journey”. Rev. Williams served until 1996.
Rev. Aubrey D. Blake became interim pastor in 1996. He was officially installed as pastor that same year. Under his guidance, the church paid off its mortgage in 1999. Rev. Blake resigned in 2003.
In 2004, Rev. Robert A. Cain, Sr. became the pastor. In 2011, the church changed its name. It became The 1st Mount Calvary M.B. Church. They focused on outreach. Rev. Cain served until 2015.
In 2016, Rev. John E. Thompson, Jr. became the Senior Pastor. He encouraged growth in faith and knowledge. Rev. Thompson resigned in 2020. The church faced challenges. Membership declined. The building deteriorated. The COVID-19 pandemic struck.
But the members of 1st Mount Calvary M.B. Church stayed unified. They continued services at temporary locations. These included Meadows Eastside Community Resource Organization and Nehemiah Grand Lodge of Chicago. Visiting ministers offered support.
In 2021, Rev. Dr. Odel Sterling III became Interim Pastor. On April 3, 2022, he officially became the Senior Pastor/Teacher. Under his leadership, the church building’s exterior was restored. The church created a brand logo. New members joined.
Rev. Sterling’s preaching and teaching have brought renewal. His motto is powerful. “Trust God, even when you can’t trace God, knowing He is up to something and it’s always for your good.” The goal is to restore the church building. It should become a safe gathering place. It will provide worship, healing, encouragement, support, and charitable services. This will benefit the congregation and local communities.
The 1st Mount Calvary M.B. Church is committed. It strengthens the body of Christ. It grows the Kingdom of God. The church welcomes all to join them in worship. Services are held at 7851 South Essex Ave. Sunday School begins at 9:30 am. Worship Service follows at 11:00 am.