A Brief History   

For more than a century Calvary Baptist Church has served the nation's capital city in the name of Jesus Christ. From its tiny beginnings it has grown to become a significant factor in the life of the community to which it ministers. In its own denomination, Calvary has long been one of the leading churches -- not simply in terms of size, but more especially because of its ministries and its leadership, both lay and clergy.
    In its first 125 years, the names of more than 10,000 persons have been entered in its membership rolls. Included among them have been distinguished statesmen, famous educators, well-known merchants, notable public servants, eminent scientists, and many lesser-known but equally dedicated pesons whose names, though recognized by few, are important to the history of that part of the church.
    The city of Washington has grown and changed immeasurably since 1862, when Calvary Baptist Church began. Somechanges have been in the physical characteristics: new buildings, a subway system, extension of the city's boundries. But there have also been sociological changes: enormous increases in the number of government employees, growth of the black population, development of a large number of homeless. Changes in political fortunes have brought Republicans and Democratic administration to the city at various times; economic ups and downs have often left their mark on Washington's people.
    As these changes have occurred, Calvary has consistently attempted to deal with them, often adjusting its goals and programs so as to meet emerging needs of the community, never forgetting that its primary responsibility is to point people toward God through Jesus Christ.

The Present  

Calvary is currently a church in the midst of change and transition. Located in a neighborhood which has changed drastically over the last couple of years, we have focused our efforts on being a point of light to our entire city. We are a multi-cultural church with people from all walks of life and background. We are a theologically diverse church rooted strongly in the Baptist tradition of "soul freedom". We are a church concerned about and active in mission both in our community and around the world.
    Our community ministries are some of the most important things in which we are involved. We have an extensive after school enrichment program for city youth. We serve two free lunches each week for the working poor and homeless. Once a week, our Downtown Social Club provides activities for clients of three local mental hospitals. And at various times each week people from a number of different countries come to Calvary for English as a Second Language classes.

Looking To The Future   

No one can foresee what direction the church will take in the next quarter-century. What ministries will be needed by the year 2012, when Calvary reaches it sesquicentennial, cannot be predicted. Periodically, in the past, "strategy studies" have been undertaken, and predictions have been made as to demographic changes, building needs, and economic trends. These predictions have not always been accurate.
    What we do know is that, as long as there is a congregation called Calvary Baptist Church, the love of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed and demonstrated in tangible ways, and the proud history that began in 1862 will be continued by faithful servants living out their faith in their daily lives.
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The preceding text are excerpts from "At Calvary". Copyright © 1994 by Olive M. Tiller. Published by Trinity Rivers Publishing, Inc