Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

Why did a church split away from its congregation and relocate in 1939? This is the fascinating story of the Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the echoes of Austin’s past. It was founded in 1939 after a group of worshippers, led by the Reverend S.L. Davis, felt compelled to create a new spiritual home. The previous church leadership had disapproved of Davis’ inclusive approach to biblical instruction, particularly his willingness to teach women alongside men. These determined individuals, 59 strong, laid the cornerstone of their new church in a private residence on East 12th Street. Their journey took them from a community center on Angelina Street to a humble chapel built on Coleto Street in 1941. In just over a decade, they expanded their sanctuary into the present-day brick structure, its white steeple a beacon of hope in the heart of Austin. This very street, once known as Washington Avenue, was renamed S.L. Davis Avenue to honor the church’s founder, a testament to his impact on the community. Today, Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church continues to serve as a vibrant center for worship and community engagement, its story a testament to the unwavering spirit of its founders.